OKTMANN: THE CRAWFJSUES OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA ;-545 



Practical experience gradually revealed to the; writer the best method of col- 

 lecting crawfishes. At first the writer was rather inexperienced, and did not Icnow 

 where to look forcortnin species. But the necessary knowledge and skill were soon 

 acquired. 



To collect the species living in streams, rivers, and ponds requires no special 

 effort ; it is only necessary to wade into the water-course to be investigated, or to 

 walk along its edge, and to discover the hiding-places of the crawfishes, which is 

 done by turning over stones. xV pair of rubber-boots, or wading-stockings, pro- 

 tected by ordinary bathing-shoes, is very convenient ; and also a small landing-net, 

 the bag made of minnow-netting. Frequently specimens may be caught with the 

 hand. In certain places, and in the case of certain species ( Caruharus liraoms) water- 

 weeds often furnish hiding-places, and here it is advisable to use a larger landing- 

 net with a long handle, which is pulled or pushed through the weeds. 



JNIore work is required in collecting the burrowing species. The first thing is to 

 locate them, which is generally done by searching for the mud-cliimne3-s built over 

 their burrows. But it is not always easy to find these, particularly in late summer 

 and autumn, the chimneys being then rather inconspicuous. I generally first ascer- 

 tain favorable localities, such as swampy places in the bottom-lands, and springy 

 places on the hillsides. It is a vers' good plan to closely watch ditches by the road- 

 sides. Here the chimneys generally are easily detected, and in the neighborhood 

 of such places large colonies often may be found. After a burrowing form has been 

 located, the most difficult work begins, for the inhabitant of the burrow must be 

 dug out of its hiding-place. Care must be taken while digging not to injure 

 the crawfish. Sometimes the work can be done with the bare hand, but only in 

 those rare instances in which the burrows are in very soft ground. Generally the 

 work must be done with pick and shovel, but, as it is inconvenient to carry these 

 cumbereome tools along on an excursion and a gardenei''s trowel is a little too weak, 

 I have found a pioneer's bayonet, such as is used in the United States Army, to be 

 a tool which beautifully serves the purpose. These bayonets may be had in gun- 

 and ammunition-stores in the larger cities, and are practical!}' indestructible. 



After locating a crawfish-hole, I begin to dig down art)und it, loosening the 

 dirt with the bayonet, and removing it with my hands, always taking care not to 

 lose trace of the hole. Generally it is necessary to'go down upon the knees (rubber 

 boots are useful here), and even the belly, in order to reach the bottom of the hole, 

 to which the crawfish usually retreats wluii disturbed. Often, however, it retires 

 to a side branch, in which case it is not necessary to dig so deep. As soon as it is 

 felt beginning to pinch with its claws, it is a sure sign that the crawfish has been 



