480 Annals of the Carnegie Museum. 



back over the shorter {see cut) ; this may serve for a handle, but it is 

 better to fasten it to a wooden handle, about three feet long, e. g., 

 a broomstick, planed down somewhat at one end to the length of 



Fig. I. Method of making a cheap ring for a collecting net. 



the wire handle, and with a groove around it, about half-an-inch 

 from the end. The wire frame can be tied to the handle with stout 

 twine. To the wire ring is fastened a sack-net, twelve to fifteen 

 inches long, of good, somewhat loose, burlap, which is the best and 

 cheapest material, and procurable almost anywhere. The seams must 

 be sewn well, best doubly, Avith good linen thread, and the rim over 

 the wire should be protected by a strip of strong canvas, to prevent 

 its being worn through in a short time. Such a net, or two of them, 

 take little space, and a stick for a handle may be found and fitted 

 anywhere. Some small muslin sacks should be taken along, a piece 

 or two of muslin about a yard square, and some small boxes and vials, 

 and, for a longer trip, a bottle with a few ounces of alcohol. This is 

 almost everything needed for good work. High rubber boots are 

 desirable, even necessary. Besides, it is recommended to take a 

 small hoe (Ferriss' hoe) along. It is handy in many ways, especially 

 for collecting land-snails. The hoe and the net with its handle, tied 

 together, are not very cumbersome. 



Collecting. 



As stated before, some snails and mussels may be picked up with 

 the hand. Many of the former are seen clinging on rocks, stones, or 

 wood. Some Musculia may be found on pieces of wood covered with 

 mosses and algae; they must be taken up carefully lest their thin and 

 fragile shells be crushed. Special care is needed in collecting the 

 small and tender, flat-shelled species of Ancylus and Gundlachia. 

 They are found on plants such as the stalks and leaves ("pads") of 

 water-lilies, the leaves of Typha, Sparganium, Sagittaria, etc. ; also on 

 dead and living shells, stones, etc. The best way is to take them 



