Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 92.djvu/854

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��Popidar Science Monthly

���When this canvas-covered frame is hauled across the field, it bewilders the grasshoppers so they hop into it

��"fairy grass." On and on she wanders, stopping here and there to gather some- purple, lavender or almost black grass, some fragrant Sea-Lavender, some early golden rod. Along the rail- road tracks she gathers clumps of Poligonella, our cousin to Scotch heather, and every now and then she makes use of the net which she carries to capture some tiny butterfly with gorgeously-colored wings.

Who is this woman ? Why does she collect these speci-

��Catching Grasshoppers by the Bushel

IN a Western State where grasshoppers threatened entirely to destroy farm crops, an inventive farmer made the grass- hopper-catcher shown in accompanying illustration. The device consists of a framework over which is stretched can- vas. On lower front section the teeth of a mowing machine are mounted to form a "catcher." As the contrivance moves over the field the insects jump and are caught by the catcher. A horse pulls the grasshopper catcher along.

��mens, many of which seem so unattract- ive and commonplace ? If you have taken your stroll in the vicinity of Lexing- ton, Mass., you will recognize her as Miss Rose Whitney Smith, who has turned the pleasures of a naturalist's work to prac- tical use and has built up a flourishing industry in which grasses, flowers, but- terflies, etc., are skilfully employed for decorating trays, mirrors, screens, etc. The specimens are carefully prepared and arranged artistically upon a background of silk, protected on the one side by plate glass, on the other by a sub- stantial wooden or metal back.

��How a Woman Makes Money by Putting Nature Under Glass

A YOUNG woman, dressed for "hik- ing" and walking with a brisk and elastic step, is approaching from the direction of the town. Her eyes, clear and keen, searchingly wander from one side of the road to the other. At a sandy strip she leaves the road and begins to gather some of the graceful, feathery whisps of black grass growing there. She chooses critically and uses great care in placing the grass in the tin case which she carries by a strap over her shoulder.

A short distance beyond that sand lot, a marshy meadow attracts her at- tention. Boldly she wades into the swamp and seems pleased when she finds some of that dainty and delicate grass which is known as

���Miss Smith in her "Nature Shop," and, in the frame, a sample of her artis- tic decorative work

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