For collecting aquatic insects and their _larvæ_ we shall require a water net, made of fine zinc-gauze, about six inches in diameter, to group about among stones and other rubbish at the bottom of pools and ditches. This instrument should be made so as to slip on and off a walking-stick when required. A killing bottle charged with cyanide of potassium or with chopped laurel leaves completes the outfit. Little need be said as regards the mode of collecting insects, as their habits may be gathered from the following pages. They may be found almost everywhere, in woods, fields, gardens, in pools, ditches, canals, and rivers, under dead leaves and the bark of trees, among moss and stones, etc., etc. They may also be found at all times of the year; even in the depth of winter some species may be met with. Most insects may be preserved in the same manner as Butterflies and Moths. They should be set on flat setting-boards, and left to dry thoroughly before being removed. The smaller species may be gummed to cardboard in a similar way to Beetles. In the arrangement of the insects in the cabinet the classification and order given in these pages may be followed. About half-a-dozen of each species will be found a convenient number to collect. ORDER HYMENOPTERA. INCLUDING THE BEES, WASPS, ANTS, ICHNEUMON FLIES, SAW FLIES, GALL FLIES, AND THEIR ALLIES. [Illustration: Fig. 5.--Cryptus Formosus.] The _Hymenoptera_ belongs to one of the most interesting and extensive orders of insects. The structure and habits of the different species which it includes are very various. Their marvellous instincts have excited the admiration and wonderment of the philosophers of all ages. They are, indeed, by far the most intelligent of insects, being greatly in advance of any other group known to exist. The _Hymenoptera_ are mandibulate insects, their mouths being formed for biting, and they undergo complete metamorphoses. Perhaps the most striking external distinctive character is to be found in the structure of the wings, both pairs of which are membranous; and another peculiarity of equal importance is the condition of the prothorax, which is reduced to very small dimensions. In the majority of the _Hymenoptera_ the females are provided with stings, which serve many purposes, independently of weapons of defence. Many families, however, do not possess stings. Many of the _Hymenoptera_ feed on plants and trees, but probably the greater number are parasitic on other insects. [Illustration: Fig. 6.--Pimpla Turionellæ (Mag.)] This order includes the bees, wasps, ants, saw flies, gall flies, ichneumon flies, and many other familiar insects. The following will show the principal characteristics of each group into which the order has been divided. _Tribe 1, Aculeata._--Generally social insects, consisting of males, females, and neuters. Ovipositor modified into a sting. _Larvæ_, footless grubs.