Firstly, then, as to the out-door apparatus required. This is simple enough, a _net_ and _pocket-boxes_, with a few _pins_, being the only essentials.[6] {40} Variously constructed nets are used, according to fancy, but the choice may lie between two chief forms: the _Clap-net_ and the _Ring-net_. [Illustration] The former certainly gives more power in a fair chase, but the latter has the advantage of being the {41} lighter, more portable, and less conspicuous of the two. Both of these instruments are shown in the accompanying figures. The clap-net (fig. 1) usually has the sticks that compose the framework made each in three separate pieces, joined by ferrules--a couple of light fishing-rods will do excellently, a piece of bent cane being substituted for the top joint. The manner in which the gauze is extended between, and fitted on, these rods will be sufficiently obvious on looking at the cut, which represents the net half open. In taking an insect, one handle is held in each hand, the net opened wide, and thrown over, or made to intercept the insect, when, by suddenly closing the handles together, a closed bag is made, and the little prisoner is secured. [Illustration] The ring-net (fig. 2), which is the implement most generally in vogue, may be constructed in several ways. The cheapest, and at the same time a highly serviceable one, is made by getting from a tinman a tin "socket" of this form, the larger end fitting on to the end of a straight stick, and the two smaller tubes receiving the ends of a hoop of cane, which carries the net, it being passed through a loose hem round the top of the latter. The cane, taken out of the socket, can be rolled up closely with the net and carried in the pocket to the scene of action, while the handle may be a strong common walking-stick, a {42} most useful auxiliary in getting across country, and thus this net becomes really no incumbrance to the tourist, who may have other matters in hand besides butterfly hunting--perhaps sketching and botanizing--when the larger clap-net becomes quite embarrassing. Another form of this net has the ring made of _metal_, and _jointed_ in several places, so as to fold within a small pocketable compass, and arranged to screw into a brass socket on the top of the stick. This is a very commendable net--not so easily home-made as the last, certainly, but it can be readily procured complete from the London dealers (or "naturalists," as they style themselves). A net that has been a good deal used of late opens and shuts on the umbrella principle, and with the same celerity, forming a ring-net when open--when shut going into a case like that of an umbrella.