and Laboratory Methods. 1955 



inside. As the cans become full, the leaves can be removed. Several boxes 

 and a number of vials should always be carried, so that specimens from different 

 localities may be kept separate. 



For the fluviatile species it is necessary to have a dipper and, if possible, a 

 small dredge. The dipper is made from an ordinary tin one, by removing the 

 bottom and substituting one of fine wire cloth. By removing the end of the 

 handle, the dipper can be slipped on to the end of a cane or pole when in use. 

 This is useful not only for reaching the larger specimens from the shore or boat, 

 but especially for sifting the mud and sand from the bottom, where a multitude 

 of small species live, which otherwise would not be found. It will be found 

 more convenient to empty the contents of the dipper, when thoroughly washed 

 out, into a pail and carry the whole mass home before undertaking to pick out 

 the shells. If attempted in the field, many of the smaller and more desirable 

 things are apt to be overlooked. By spreading the mass out in the sun for a 

 short time it will become dry and friable so that the shells can be easily separated 

 and picked out. An ordinary reading glass is very useful for the detection of 

 the more minute forms in sorting over such material. 



Many desirable species live in water too deep for the convenient use of the 

 dipper, and for these it is necessary to have a small dredge. One with an 

 aperture of 9x6 inches is as large as can satisfactorily be used by a single 

 person in a row boat. 



Care must be taken to keep the more fragile species separate from the 

 heavier ones, otherwise they are apt to be damaged in carrying the can about. 



WHERE TO COLLECT. 



Everywhere. The land species love dampness and darkness. They are to 

 be looked for under logs, bark, and leaves in suitable localities. Many species 

 bury themselves in rotten logs, and these should be broken up with the hoe. 

 The accumulation of dead leaves around fallen trees is a favorite habitat and 

 should also be carefully and slowly gone over with fingers and hoe. The thick 

 grass and dense thickets along the margin of ditches and streams will usually 

 reward a careful examination. Southern and western exposures being dryer, 

 are not so fruitful as eastern and northern hillsides and shady ravines. Conif- 

 erous forests are usually quite barren of molluscan life. An open hardwood 

 forest in a limestone region is the ideal hunting ground. Nearly every per- 

 manent body of water has its moUusks, varying according to its character. 

 Some species are found only in rapid flowing water, and others only in ponds 

 and still water. Ditches and other stagnant waters are usually good collecting 

 ground for Pisidia and other small species. The low places in the woods, which 

 dry up in the summer time, have a number of species that are not found else- 

 where, and which bury themselves in the mud when the water disappears. Sand 

 banks in rivers and lakes are the favorite resort of many of the smaller species. 

 The under side of the lily pads should be scrutinized, while the Aticyli should 

 be looked for on stones and dead clam shells. 



