6 INTRODUCTION. 



are much better than " chip " boxes or pill-boxes, as they 

 are less likely to get broken, and do not come to pieces 

 when wet. Hispid shells should be put into a box by 

 themselves, and only a few together, as their neighbours' 

 slime is apt to spoil their personal appearance. For the 

 minute species of freshwater shells a small wide-necked 

 bottle filled with water may be found useful to dip the 

 fingers in, and so wash off the shells, which often adhere 

 persistently, and require much time to dislodge in safety. 

 The shells will sink to the bottom, and the water may be 

 poured away. For the minute and delicate species of both 

 land and water, it is not a bad plan to keep one or two 

 small glass tubes in the waistcoat pocket. Along one side 

 of these a strip of gummed paper (stamp-paper is very 

 good) should be fastened to hold the glass together if 

 cracked by a fall. Such tubes are obtainable at a homoeo- 

 pathic chemist's, at eightpence per dozen. 



Finally, remember never to be without a receptacle of 

 some sort when out, even though not on a regular ex- 

 pedition. Should you happen to be thus unprovided, you 

 will be sure to regret it. 



In the case of the Zonites, let the collector gather all he 

 can till he knows them well, and he will often find, when 

 he examines them at leisure, that he has entertained an 

 angel unawares in the shape of some good variety. 



No ponds or ditches should be passed by without ex- 

 amination, however barren they may appear, and not only 



