Under bark and along the edges of logs and fallen trees usually lead 

 to good "pickins." Also under stones and rocks that are not deeply imbedded 

 in the soil. We have also found fine collecting, particularly in the middle 

 west, on the forest floor in heavy and well shaded deciduous forests. 

 Pasture land, not only the open country but even where there is forest 

 cover, usually is poor unless there are plenty of logs to investigate. 



Mountainous country, when there are limestone ledges, is usually rich 

 in land snails. This is especially true if there is ample shade and plenty of 

 moss and dead leaves at the base of these ledges. During wet weather, 

 however, the snails will crawl to a limited extent over the wet rocks. 



An ample supply of vials and cloth bags should be carried in the field. 

 Large shells can be placed in bags and, if at all numerous, should have a 

 generous mixture of leaves and grass to prevent their fouling one another. 

 Small shells should be placed in vials for safe keeping. All mollusks that 

 are to be preserved for anatomical purposes should be drowned in water for 

 8 to 10 hours and then placed in 60 percent alcohol. If the radula alone is 

 to be studied, any strength of alcohol can be used above 60 percent. 



If the shells are to be cleaned for the cabinet, they may be boiled and 

 then extracted with a hooked safety pin. Shells from V4 to V2 inch should 

 be boiled 1/2 minute and for 1 minute up to the size of IV2 inches and larger. 



Small land shells are best cleaned out (after boiling) by a strong force 

 of water. The simplest procedure is to use an ear syringe, forcing the water 

 into the aperture, the operation being carried out in a pan of water. For 

 very small shells a capillary tube can be made readily out of a small piece 

 of glass tubing and then attaching a rubber bulb. 



Adequate data should be kept of all stations. The best method that 

 we have found is to maintain a field note book with a continuous series of 

 field numbers. Each station receives a number and under it is recorded the 

 locality, as precise as possible, the date and the general conditions that best 

 describe the locality. To this, of course, may be added a list of the species 

 obtained. The shells themselves should be fully labeled with the number, 

 locality, date, and collector. The field number will lead back to other data 

 in the field book when needed. 



On expeditions or trips away from home it is wise to double the field 

 book entry by using carbon paper, the carbon copies to be mailed home. 

 Field books have been lost! 



The above instructions are only of a general nature, and plenty of 

 exceptions will be found after a short field experience. This experience will 

 vary as different types of country are investigated. 



Specific information relative to regions or to methods used can be had 

 from workers in our museums as well as from the many private collectors 

 throughout the country. 



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