22 



THE SEA 



no utensils so convenient as the one we have named. It is per- 

 fectly satisfactory for the temporary storage of the wild flowers 

 gathered on the cliffs, as it will keep them moist and fresh for 

 some considerable time ; and for the reception of sea weeds of all 

 kinds it is all that could be desired, for it will preserve them in 

 splendid condition, and is so constructed that there is no possibility 

 of the inconvenience arising from the dripping of salt water on the 

 lower garments. Then, as regards marine animal-life in general 

 starfishes, urchins, anemones, molluscs, crustaceans, fishes, &c. 

 these may be conveyed away in it with a liberal packing of moist 

 weeds not only without injury, but in such a satisfactory condition 

 that nearly all may be turned out alive at the end of a day's work ; 

 and this must be looked upon as a very important matter to him 



FIG. 13. THE VASCULUM 



who amis at becoming a naturalist rather than a mere collector, 

 for while the latter is content with a museum of empty shells and 

 dried specimens, the former will endeavour to keep many of the 

 creatures alive for a time in some kind of artificial rock pool in 

 order that he may have the opportunity of studying their develop- 

 ment and their habits at times when he has not the chance of 

 visiting the sea shore for the purpose. 



But although the vasculum is so generally useful for the tem- 

 porary storage and the transmission of the objects collected, yet it 

 is not in itself sufficient for all purposes. There are many marine 

 animals so small but none the less interesting because they are 

 small that they would probably be lost in a case containing 

 a mass of sea weeds with various larger creatures. These should 



