1897J MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL 239 



A rod net coiunionly used, is represented by fig. 1, A, 

 and consists of two different {)arts, viz., the net (a) and 

 the rod or handle (b). 



The net hangs from a brass or iron circle, provided 

 witli a small copper-tube, i)erf()rate(l on two opposite 

 sides. 



The rod or handle consists of three co])per barrels, 

 which slide one into the other, each of which is 1 to Ig 

 metres in length. The upper barrel has on its end a 

 cover, from the centre of which a i)erf()iated clasp i)ro- 

 jects, which fits exactly in the copper-tube of the net 

 ring. Being able to lengthen and shorten tliis rod as 

 one pleases, we are relieved from the need of carrying 

 with us a pole or several shorter sticks. The clasp on 

 the end of the thinner rod and the tenon of the riny; 

 enable us to fix the net easily, while a pin put through 

 the two holes prevents its slipi)ing from the rod. 



Collecting with this apparatus is very sim[)le. We 

 fasten the net to the rod by aid of the tenon and tlien 

 we pull out the sticks and begin to draw water as if we 

 were using a spoon. Tiie water by this means is strained. 

 The greater proportion of the animals, and, if our net is 

 sulliciently fine, even the smallest organisms are retained. 



To Itring home tin; gathered material. — For this i)ur- 

 pose a collecting bowl or basin of china, fig. 1, C, or 

 some other material, and having a large gullet, m;iy be 

 used. Having filled this bowl with water before begin- 

 ning the operation the contents of the net ai'c waslied 

 out at intervals. At the close of collecting, strain the 

 whole contents of the bowl through the net and substitute 

 Ihe watei' in the bowl with alohol or any other preser- 

 vative liquid. 



The material thus preparcil is finally i)oured into a 

 glass tube (fig. 1, B) to bo closed by a cork. On a small 

 label note with a pencil tli(> place of collecting, the so- 

 called habitat : the time of collecting, the month, day. 



