102 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING 
species are very local, and some situations 
produce them in abundance. The coasts of 
Devonshire and Cornwall are considered the 
most productive in England. Microscopic 
shells abound in sea sand. 
Those shells which contain the live animals 
are greatly to be preferred, where there is a 
choice, to those which are empty, or in which 
the animal is dead ; as the specimens are much 
more bright, and an opportunity is afforded 
of studying the structure and habits of the 
animals. But in the case of rare species, of 
course, “ all are fish that come to net.” Live 
shells should, however, be kept in the seawater 
but a few days, and the animal may then be 
killed by immersion in scalding water, and, 
after the lapse of a few minutes, should be 
plunged in cold fresh water, which will con- 
dense the animal, and render it easier to be 
extracted. For the latter purpose crooked 
wires will in general be found useful, and if 
the animal be extracted whole, it may be pre- 
served in bottles containing weak spirits of 
wine. All the Testacea may be preserved in 
spirits. 
The fresh water shells will often be found 
in abundance while fishing for insects; they 
inhabit stagnant ponds, ditches, &c. And 
