INTRODUCTION. 11 



should be made, and the extent of the district explored 

 should be accurately stated. 



The Arrangement of a Collection. 



Much of the pleasure derived from a collection consists 

 in its arrangement. A cabinet with drawers is undoubtedly 

 the best receptacle, but a series of flat boxes will answer 

 the purpose very well. 



Various methods of setting out the specimens are 

 adopted. Some prefer slabs of wood or glass covered with 

 stone-coloured paper, on which the shells are fastened with 

 gum. This is doubtless an excellent plan for showing off 

 the shells, especially in a museum or a perfect collection 

 where the shells are not supposed to be touched ; but in 

 the case of a collection which is constantly receiving better 

 specimens to be substituted for those already stuck down, 

 this method has an obvious drawback. My own experience, 

 in the case of all but very small shells, is in favour of card- 

 board trays, lined with cotton wool, on which the shells are 

 easily arranged and are well shown out. The tray method 

 has the advantage of allowing the specimens to be easily 

 changed, and, if necessary, taken up and handled. These 

 trays may be obtained from many London naturalists. 



Pink cotton wool, though in favour with some, has not 

 a pleasing effect. 



Minute shells may be sometimes kept loose in the small 

 glass tubes before mentioned, or in small glass-topped 



