BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 201 



tlie east coast. From its wide rauge on tbis side, I think it capable of 

 readily adapting itself to almost any ordinary conditions, and it is very 

 probable that many localities can be fonnd on the Atlantic coast just 

 as favorable for its develoj^ment and existence as occur within the 

 limits of the twelve or fifteen hundred miles of its range on this side. 

 Puget Sound would be the best place at which to secure specimens. 

 It is very rare at San Diego. I have not found a dozen specimens 

 during the several years I have collected here, while at Olymi^ia three 

 men could secure a dozen at one low tide or in one day. The greatest 

 diflficulty to overcome in attempting to colonize it on the east side 

 would be found in the long time it takes to cross the continent and 

 in having it reach its destination in strong and vigorous condition, so 

 that it would be able to struggle successfully with any difficulties that 

 might occur in its new home. Since receiving your letter I have thought 

 that i)oint over, and the following has suggested itself to my mind as 

 probably the best plan that could be adopted to insure success : Have 

 galvanized iron tanks made, two feet square and three feet high; have 

 strong handles attached so that they could be moved without jolting or 

 jarring; attach a faucet, say, one foot below the top to draw off the water 

 when necessary. Cover the bottom of the tanks with muddy sand, say, 

 six inches deep; place the specimens on the sand in their natural posi- 

 tions, siphons up; then fill in again with the muddy sand, covering the 

 specimens about one foot deep ; then fill the tanks to the top with sea 

 water. Draw off the water once or twice every twenty-four hours, let- 

 ting it remain off', say, half an hour each time, so as to keep uj) the nat- 

 ural conditions as nearly as possible. A sui)ply of sea-water would have 

 to be taken along, while crossing the continent on the cars, and this 

 should be carried in galvanized iron tanks or tin cans, as water remain- 

 ing in wooden vessels, barrels, &c., for several days becomes more or 

 less charged with acids which might prove destructive to the animals 

 and defeat the plan. Having selected a place for the colony, dig down, 

 say, eighteen inches and i)lace the specimens in their natural positions, 

 siphons up, then fill in around the specimens, and drive a stout stake 

 near each one, noting the distance and direction, so that they could be 

 easily found when desirable. They should be closely watched for several 

 successive tides, and observations made on their movements, &c. This 

 method would be quite exi)ensive, but it is the only one that has occurred 

 to me which I think would prove successful. The shells are large, and 

 the length of time it takes to cross the country would prove destructive, 

 if they were ke[)t out of the water so long. I believe this covers about 

 all the information I can give on this subject, and if it will serve any 

 scientific purpose, or add to the knowledge of these lowly animals, I 

 shall be much jjleased. 

 San Diego, Cal.^ October 17, 1881. 



