The Young Collector's Handbook of Ants, Bees, Dragon-flies, Earwigs, Crickets, and Flies
(Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera).
"The Young Collector's Handbook of Ants, Bees, Dragon-flies, Earwigs, Crickets, and Flies" by W. Harcourt Bath is a scientific manual written in the late 19th century. This guide serves as a resource for young nature enthusiasts eager to delve into the world of entomology, focusing particularly on the collection and study of various insect orders. It highlights the benefits of collecting natural specimens over other types of collections, emphasizing the intellectual and healthful advantages that the study of natural history provides. At the start of the handbook, the author discusses the general appeal of collecting natural objects, particularly insects, and the comparative scarcity of literature on entomology for beginners. Bath outlines the main insect orders to be covered, including Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, and Diptera, encouraging readers to choose specific groups to focus their efforts on, while providing practical advice on collecting and preserving specimens. The opening portion sets the tone for a hands-on, educational approach to insect collection, aiming to inspire a deep curiosity about the natural world.