44 



All possible search should be made as the tide recedes, and 

 the lower it falls the richer and rarer will the harvest of 

 specimens generally be. Wrack, and sea-weed of all kinds, 

 should be examined for specimens lurking therein. A 

 basket with wide-mouthed bottles, and a spade to dig for the 

 animals which burrow, are necessary accompaniments when 

 hunting the shore and beach. 



SPIEIT SPECIMENS. 



As repeatedly mentioned in the preceding pages, it is ex- 

 tremely desirable, at least once, to change the spirit in all 

 bottles, jars, &c., in which specimens are preserved, in order 

 to make good the loss by absorption and evaporation. Con- 

 siderable care is requisite in finally fastening up the bottles, 

 as bungs in particular are often made of inferior cork. The 

 following method is recommended by Mr. Wm. Stimpson, late 

 naturalist to the United States' Expedition to the North 

 Pacific Ocean, as having been adopted for all his smaller 

 vessels with eminent success. Take some ordinary calico or 

 linen, soak it in common bees' wax melted by the fire, and let 

 it dry. Cut from this a circular piece, put it over the mouth 

 of the bottle, and drive it in tight with the cork or bung. Cut 

 a larger piece, and tie it tightly over the cork and the head of 

 the bottle. The wax will adhere sufficiently to prevent any 

 further escape of spirit. The same gentleman also recom- 

 mends the use of plaster of Paris for effectually closing large 

 jars. Some kind of lid or cover is necessary, but upon this a 

 little plaster of Paris, mixed with water, may be easily run, 

 and it will dry immediately and form a perfectly air-tight 

 covering. Care of course should be taken to prevent it getting 

 in among the specimens. 



Glass bottles containing spirit specimens may be easily and 

 safely packed by wrapping them well with hay or other soft 

 material, and then in paper. In this manner they can be 

 stowed away (corks uppermost) in a box or chest without fear 

 of damage. 



