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slate rocks. All these form fine objects. Eolidce may be got on the cork 

 buoys, by separating the corks one from another. If placed in a watch- 

 glass in the sun these are a most beautiful sight, but must not be left there 

 long. 



On many of our coasts, when there is a calm sea and an outward wind, 

 minute molluscan shells may be found in great quantities. The very 

 small ones are extremely delicate and interesting. The extremely beautiful 

 Patella pellucid a may be found on the fronds of the great Laminaria. The 

 young patella are on the fronds. If the old patella be wanted one may 

 generally be found in the hollow of the root, but it will be no longer 

 beautiful. 



On many of the rocks small light brown or yellowish semi-transparent 

 jars may be seen closely packed together and standing on end. These are 

 the eggs of the Dog Whelk. If brought home and kept in sea water they 

 will probably hatch out in a day or two, when the ciliated larvas will be very 

 interesting. Licmoplxora flabellata may be found in the very shallow pools not 

 above an inch or two deep in the lowest flat rocks, where they may be found 

 at the very lowest tide, and appear like tiny fringes of yellow or brown fur, too 

 fine almost for the individual threads to be seen. Having brought it home, 

 examine and lay it out under a low power. 



Young Nudibranch moluscs may be found crawling among the weeds, and 

 Hydrozoa — some of the genus Boris, when young enough, form beautiful and 

 interesting slides on account partly of the arrangement of spicules in the 

 dorsal skin — Doris aspera is particularly attractive. The obtaining the 

 radula (the so-called tongue) from Gasteropods affords endless amusement, 

 and a great amount of instruction ; it is not very difficult even with small 

 forms, or young specimens, after a little practice. Begin on a limpet, which is 

 extremely easy, thus learn the appearance, Sec ; rely on cutting out, not boiling 

 down with chemicals. Most interesting objects are obtained by towing a 

 small hoop, one side very slightly weighted, and with a coarse canvass 

 conical bag attached, a small portion at the bottom of which is lined with 

 fine muslin, and should have three equidistant strings attached These are held 

 in the hand, and the net flung over the stern of the boat ; row or sail gently, 

 and at short intervals haul up the net, turn it inside out, and wash off the 

 contents into a small collecting bottle of sea water, or a bottle may be used 

 instead of the muslin for A'ery small forms. Crustacean and other larvae, 

 and beautiful Medusce, Bero'e Cyolippe, Sec, may be got this way. A warm 

 afternoon when he sun is bright and the sea calm is best. 



On some of our south western coasts the Pharsalia (Portuguese man-of- 

 war) may occasionally be found cast on shore alive. If placed in a large 

 tub of sea water it is a splendid creature, but the collector must avoid 

 allowing the tentacles to touch his skin, or a very painful irritation will 

 result. 



Ii Actinea be desired for an aquarium, the common mesembryantheum. 

 also gem/niacea, and often troglodytes may be got off the rocks with one's 

 thumb nail, or a penknife. Gemmacea is found on low rocks and in poolsi 

 often on detached stones which are convenient; troglodytes are on flatrocksat 



