LOCAL FAUNA 



MOLLUSCA 



During the spring a revision af the conchological collections 

 has been in progress under the direction of the honoraiy curator 

 of the department, Mr. William G. Mazyck, with the assistance 

 of Miss M. Elizabeth Klinck. These collections are very ex- 

 tensive and, when properly worked up, will afford material for 

 several interesting exhibits, but the Museum desires first to 

 exhibit the local shells for educational work, as well as for use 

 in a survey of the molluscs of the coast region of the State. 

 For this purpose Mr. Mazyck has set aside the local specimens in 

 the Museum collections and has offered to add to these from 

 his extensive private cabinet, so that the nucleus of a local ex- 

 hibit may be prepared at once. » 



The assistance of the public, and especially of school children, 

 is requested for the extension of this collection. Collectors 

 should compare their specimens with the local exhibit and sub- 

 mit to Mr. Mazyck for identification all additional species. The 

 largest and most perfect shells are desired but inferior speci- 

 mens of species not represented in the local exhibit will serve 

 until better can be procured. A record of the locality where 

 each shell is found should always be preserved, and shells con- 

 taining living molluscs are preferable to beach-worn shells. 

 Many molluscs which live below low tide mark, however, can 

 only be taken alive by the use of the dredge, and in these cases, 

 beach shells, if in good condition, will be received until collection 

 with the dredge can be undertaken. 



The Museum library contains many interesting books on shells 

 and other animals of the sea-shore and either Mr. Mazyck or 

 Miss Klinck will take pleasure in assisting any who wish to make 

 collections. 



The Museum hopes soon to publish an annotated list of the 

 molluscs of this region, in which classic work has been done in 

 earlier years. 



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