2366 Journal of Applied Microscopy 



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 other- 

 wise would not be found. It will be found more convenient to empty the con- 

 tents 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. 



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 mollusks, 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 Ancyli should 

 be looked for on stones and dead clam shells. 



CLEANING AND PREPARATION OF SPECIMENS. 



The larger Helices should not be put into alcohol unless desired for ana- 

 tomical purposes, as it is almost impossible to remove the animal after it has 

 become hardened. They should be boiled as soon as possible. The water 

 should be boiling, not simply hot. Species of about the same size should be 

 boiled together in order that the operation may be successful. A small wire 

 strainer with a long handle is very convenient for holding the snails while 

 boiling. If dropped directly into the water, there is apt to be trouble in fishing 

 them out and they are likely to be boiled too much. The time varies according 

 to the size and the species, some requiring more time than others. If not boiled 

 enough, the muscular attachment to the shell will not be loosened, and the 

 animal will not " pull " at all. If boiled too long, it is apt to break in two and 

 give a good deal of trouble before extraction. The time required varies from 

 ten seconds for a species of the size of Polygyra fnonodon to sixty seconds for 



