238 NATURAL HISTORY. 



*clmbs, &c. Among tliese will always be found the greatest variety 

 of species, some never exceeding an inch in length. These fish are 

 generally neglected under the idea that they are merely the young of 

 larger kinds ; even if they should prove to be such, however, they 

 will be none the less interesting. Different forms will be found in 

 different localities. Thus the Efheostoma, or Darters, and the Cottus, 

 live under stones, or among gravel, in shallow clear streams, lying 

 flat on the ground. Others will be dislodged by stirring under roots 

 or shelving banks along the w^ater's edge. The Melanura, or mud fish 

 (a few^ inches in length,) exist m the mud of ditches, and are secured 

 by stirring up this mud into a thin paste with the feet, and then draw- 

 ing a net through. The sticklebacks and cyprinodonts live along the 

 edges of fresh and salt water. The Zygonedes swim in pairs slowly 

 along the surface of the water, the tip of the nose generally exposed. 

 They generally have a broad black stripe on the side. By a careful 

 attention to these hints, many localities supposed to be deficient in 

 species of fishes, will be found to yield a large number. 



The alcohol used on a march may be supplied with tartar emetic. 

 This, besides adding to its preservative powder, will remove any temp- 

 tation to drink it, on the part of unscrupulous persons. 



Nearly all insects, scarcely excepting the Lepidopfera, can be readily 

 preserved in alcohol. Crabs and small shells may likewise be treated 

 in the same manner. 



It is not usually possible to collect minerals, fossils, and geological 

 specimens in very great mass while travelling. The fossils selected 

 should be as perfect as possible ; and especial care should be paid to 

 procuring the bones and teeth of vertebrate animals. Of minerals 

 and rocks, specimens as large as a hickory-nut will, in many cases, 

 be sufficient for identification. 



Where collections cannot be made in any region, it will be very de- 

 sirable to procure lists of all the known species, giving the names 

 by which they are generally recognized, as well as the scientific name, 

 when this is practicable. The common names of specimens jirocured 

 should also be carefully recorded. 



All facts relating to the habits and peculiarities of the various 

 species of animals should be carefully recorded in the note book, 

 especially those having relation to the peculiarities of the season of 

 reproduction^ &c. The accounts of hunters and others should also be 

 collected, as much valuable information may thus be secured. The 

 colors of the reptiles and fishes when alive should always be given, 

 when practicable^ or, still better, painted on a rough sketch of the 

 object. 



LIST OF APPARATUS USEFUL FOR TRAVELLING PARTIES. 



1. Two leather panniers, supplied witn back strap for throwing 

 across a mule. One of these is intended to contain the copper kettles, 

 and their included alcohol, together with the nets and other apparatus ; 

 the other to hold the botanical apparatus, skins of animals, minerals, 

 &c. These, when full, should not weigh more than one hundred and 

 fifty pounds the pair. 



