MONTANA SHELLS. l^CT 



of bivalves inhabiting tlie waters of the state at present numbers but five 

 species. 



In. most sections of the state rains are more or less constant in the 

 state from early spring until the last of June. In May, June and some- 

 times early July, land forms may be hunted successfully. After this it is 

 rare to find living animals except in very limited areas around lakes, 

 ponds, or w^ater courses. It is not uncommon to find bleached shells 

 lying out in open and exposed places, but they are usually of one species, 

 Pyramidula strigosa Gld., or some of its numerous subspecies or varie- 

 ties. 



To secure shells for the sanilery for class use is not exceedingly diffi- 

 cult, although they are not to be picked up at random. The water in- 

 habiting species may be sought in shallow ponds, among the decaying 

 or living vegetation. To secure them requires a pair of rubber boots, if 

 one does not wish to have wet feet, and some form of a net for dipping 

 them out of the water. The species in greatest abundance which is most 

 likely to be taken is a small gastropod, with tapering spire, Limnaea 

 palustris Muell. (Fig. 22). It is found throughout the state, may usually 

 be had in abundance, and is not difficult to keep in the school room or 

 laboratory. With it is likely to be had the smaller and more delicate 

 Physa, with left handed turns in the shell. With these specimens in a 

 vessel of water with suitable food a fund of information relative to their 

 habits, movements and life may be secured. They will prove easy sub- 

 jects for genuine work in nature study, and a large number of persons 

 may carry on original observations. Other smaller species may be had 

 possibly by sifting fine sand and separating the tew shells to be had. I 

 have kept many of these minute animals in vessels for months, and they 

 have multiplied and done well. Those I have had were the diminutive 

 Pyramidula striatella Anth., Physa ampullacea Gld., and Limnaea palus- 

 tris Muell. 



The land species must be sought in damp places. My most suc- 

 cessful hunts have been in June on rainy days, although they may be had 

 earler than this. It is usually necessary to search among the weeds and 

 underbrush of the timber along the water courses or ponds, or in the 

 damp canyons and gulches on the mountain sides. I distinctly remem- 

 ber several days in the Mission mountains where specimens were gath- 

 ered. It necessitated crawling around on hands and knees among rank 

 and dense vegetation, while rain was falling in torrents. While this was 

 very disagreeable, it was the time when snails were active. Even when 

 abundant they are difficult to find, owing to their color. They very 

 much resemble the leaves and dead wood over which they crawl in search 

 of food. 



The snailery must be kept neat and clean, for snails are dainty crea- 

 tures, and will not thrive in dirty cages. The water species will need 

 occasional fresh water. The water of Montana's lakes and streams is so 

 free from mud and silt, as a general rule, and so full of oxygen, that 

 changes need not be made often. Once in two or three weeks will prob- 

 ably suffice if the vessel be large enough to hold a gallon or more. Water 

 vegetation should be supplied, which will not only furnish food for the- 



