TOKSBEUCK
928
INSECTS
support Ms pretensions. Innocent was immovable, and still refused to admit the ambassador of France. Louis then seized the papal territory of Avignon in reprisal, but the pope remained firm in his decision. Before the dispute terminated, Innocent died in 1689. See The Ring and the Book by Robert Browning.
Innsbruck (ins'brdok), is the capital of Tirol, Austria. It stands on the River Inn, 1,880 feet above the sea, and is overhung by mountains ranging from 7,500 to 8,500 feet in height. It is a pretty place, with broad streets shaded by fine trees. It contains many beautiful public buildings, and has four large squares or parks adorned with statues. There are a university with 102 professors and 1,009 students, founded in 1677; an old Franciscan church; an imperial castle; and eight monasteries. The city carries on manufactures of woolen cloth, machinery, glass and glasspainting. It is a place of some commercial importance, owing to its situation at the head of Brenner Pass on the route to Italy. Population 27,056, exclusive of the suburbs.
In'sects, the most abundant of all animals known by their jointed body, six legs and
distinct head, thorax and ab-d o m e n. The spiders, which are closely re-la t e d , have eight legs and a united head and thorax. The head carries eyes, antennae or feelers and mouth parts; the thorax consists of three parts carrying the legs and wings; the abdomen has egg depositors, stings etc. Insects breathe by means of air-tubes which open upon the exterior. The openings are buttonhole-shaped, and are usually situated on the joints of the abdomen. Most insects are hatched from the egg in the torm oi a caterpillar or grub and pass through a series of changes (see CATERPILLAR, MOTH and BUTTERFLY) called the metamorphosis. In others, like the grasshopper, there is an incomplete metamorphosis, for the egg hatches into a six-legged, Immature insect, resembling the adult in general form, but without wings. These grow and moult, and gradually develop wings, but ac no time do they pass into a cocoon or pupa stage. Insects are easily preserved, and a cabinet or collection can be begun with a very simple outfit. There are required a net; a collecting bottle; pins; and a box for holding the collec-
tion. They may be killed with benzine, chloroform etc., but, for all except butterflies, a collecting bottle is more convenient. Provide a wi d e-mouthed bottle with a good cork that fits tightly; in the bottom put an ounce of potassium cyanide broken into lumps no larger than a filbert; add sawdust somewhat more than to cover the largest lumps; then pour in a quarter of an inch layer of plaster of paris mixed to the consistency of thick cream. The bottle should be kept tightly corked and great care taken not to breathe the fumes of the cyanide, which are very poisonous. Insects put into the bottle are killed almost instantly by the fumes coming through the plaster and saturating the air. Care should be taken in the spreading of the insect; while still flexible the various parts — wings, legs etc.— should be arranged as it is desired they should appear when dry. Insect-pins or fine needles mounted on match-sticks are needed for this, and nothing else save some cards or thin boards — grape-basket covers or cigar-box wood. The natural position of the insect should be studied and attempted. Dust-proof boxes are made for holding insects and especial pins manufactured, but common pins and a shallow cigar-box will do for the beginner. Pieces of cork can be glued to the bottom and pins inserted in the cork.
Insect Anatomy. There is nothing more fascinating than the study of the internal anatomy of insects. The delicacy of their structure is a marvel. The organs are outlined in white, often like fine tracery, and it is a matter of continual surprise to the observer to find within such small compass all the different systems of organs represented. They should be dissected under water — pinned out on a piece of soft wood or loaded cork — in order to float out the delicate parts which will otherwise become matted together. This field of observation was opened by Mal-pighi (1628-94), who in 1669 wrote a celebrated monograph on the anatomy of the silkworm, fully illustrated. This was the beginning of insect anatomy. He was so profoundly impressed with the beauty and delicacy of what he saw that he said: "In performing these researches so many marvels of nature were spread before my eyes that I experienced an internal pleasure that my pen could not describe." Swammerdam (1637-80) engaged in similar work. He was a critical and careful worker, and made observations on the metamorphosis as well as the structure of insects. His publications on the anatomy of the honeybee and the may-
DIAGRAM OF THE PARTS OF AN INSECT.
INSECT COLLECTORS BOX
