XXX INTRODUCTION. 



the aperture being left exposed ; a glass syringe, with 

 a fine point, is now filled with a solution of caustic 

 potash and a small quantity of the liquid squirted 

 very gently into the interior, care being taken not to 

 fill the shell or allow any of the solution to come in 

 contact with the epidermis ; the cup is then to be 

 carefully placed in an upright position, in some place 

 where it will not be disturbed, and left for a few days, 

 when the shell may be rendered thoroughly clean by 

 injecting either cold or warm water into the interior 

 with the syringe. The opercnlnm should, in all cases 

 where it exists, be removed from the foot of the 

 animal and placed in its proper position in the aper- 

 ture of the shell, a little cotton wool having been 

 previously put there to prevent it slipping into the 

 interior ; a touch of gum on its inner surface and 

 edges will keep it from falling outwards. 



Arrangement of Collection. — A series of drawers 

 enclosed in a cabinet with folding doors is certainly 

 the most suitable receptacle for a collection of shells ; 

 but as cabinets are more or less costly, those who 

 cannot afford to purchase one, may, for a trifling sum, 

 procure boxes which will answer the purpose. 



There are several ways of mounting shells ; some 

 collectors attach them with gum to strips of cardboard, 

 or to pieces of thick glass cut into different lengths. 

 In the latter case, the under side of the glass should be 

 covered with paper of a tint which will form a suitable 

 background — a shade of stone-colour, perhaps, shows 

 the shells to the best advantage ; the paper should be 

 attached to the glass, with gum, at one end only, so 

 that it can be folded or opened backwards, like the 



