NATURALIST'S DREDGE. 151 



We will suppose the dredger afloat, on a fine day 

 and in a favourable locality, furnished with his dredge, 



ment's notice. The flexibility of the chain also increases the biting 

 power of the scraper. The joint connecting the handle with the 

 frame has also been improved, as represented in the following figure. 



The frame is only about a foot long : the whole apparatus may 

 therefore be packed up, to fit in the pocket of your great-coat. 

 Galvanized iron is the best to resist the action of the sea-water. 





The following letter to Dr. Ball, from N. B. Ward, Esq., of Fern- 

 House notoriety, contains the testimony of two well-known practical 

 naturalists to the great utility of his dredge, and the facility of 

 using it. 



" Clapham, 8 Sept. 1853. 

 " MY DEAR SIR, 



" You will be pleased, although not surprised, to hear a good 

 account of your little dredge. My friend, Dr. Budd, of Plymouth, 

 had always used the common oyster-dredge, requiring a large boat 

 and the labour of two men. We fairly tested the merits of both by 



