2G6 Mr. E. Lovett on some sriggestiom for Collecting, dc, 



a useful substitute in weedy localities is a small grappling-anchor 

 with a safety line, in case of fouling, to which also may be 

 added hempen tangles ; the grapple used from a small boat wiU 

 tear off and bring up large algae, &c., whilst the tangles wUl often 

 cling to Echinoderms and Crustaceans, and thus bring them to 

 the surface. 



Shore hunting requires but little advice, but, as a rule, it is 

 good to take the advantage of a spring tide, when ground can be 

 examined that is not often exposed. In rocky localities, like the 

 Channel Islands, when a big spring tide sometimes enables the 

 naturalist to walk out for four miles over the bed of the sea, 

 the wealth of marine life is to be seen in great profusion. 

 Large loose rocks may be turned over to great advantage, as 

 many rarities are seldom seen in the light, but hide away in the 

 small hollows beneath ledges and boulders. Sand-banks may be 

 dug for boring Mollusca and Crustaceans, and beds of Zostera 

 or sea-grass are always sure to yield numerous forms of all 

 orders. For this kind of work wading is absolutely necessary, 

 and the tide should be followed down ; but it should always be 

 remembered that it is necessary for safety to turn before the tide 

 does. An ordinary angler's fish-basket does very well for taking 

 home the larger specimens, using Zostera or Algae to prevent 

 damage by shaking. Small bottles or tubes containing a fluid of 

 one part alcohol, one part glycerine, and two parts water, does 

 for the temporary carnage of microscopic organisms, into which 

 they should be put alive. A small knife and a small pair of 

 forceps, which may be safely carried by sticking the blade and 

 the points into a cork, which can be tied to a coat-button, should 

 be taken ; a small hand-net is all else that is really required. 



Having returned to lodgings after a good day's sport, a few 

 words as to preservation of the various specimens may be of use. 

 The Mollusca (with shells) may be put on one side if necessary, 

 as they do not require immediate attention as do others. But 

 when they can be attended to, all that is required is to put them 

 into boiling water, remove contents carefully, wash and dry the 

 shells, and, in the case of bivalves, tie them up, or they will dry 

 gaping. The sea-urchins and star-fishes (unless very minute 

 specimens) should be put into sea-water to revive them ; when 

 the spines have assumed the natural erect position, take them 

 out and put them quickly into methyliited spirit (which need not 

 be fresh for each lot), and leave them to soak for one or two 

 days ; this will harden the integument, and when the contents 

 are removed, the spines will remain firm ; star-fishes treated in 

 this way harden with judicious drying. 



The Crustaceans perhaps are the most difficult to preserve, as 

 in most cases spirit injures the colour, whilst light and heat 

 altogether destroy it. The specimens are most easily treated by 



