MARINE SHELLS. 255 



Marine Shells. The best time to collect shells 

 on the sea-shore is at the new and full moon, 

 for then the tides make greatest ebb : the col- 

 lector should be on the spot two hours before 

 low water, with an assistant to help in turning 

 ' over the large stones, should there be any, under 

 which will be found many species of cowries, buc- 

 cinums, tritons, mitres, cones, and several species 

 of bivalve shells, also many kinds adhering to the 

 stones, which must be taken off with a knife 

 in a careful manner : several species bore into the 

 stone itself, which must be broken with hammers 

 to get out the shells, or, if the stone be soft, cut 

 it carefully with a hatchet, on doing which many 

 more species will be found : care must be taken 

 to avoid breaking the shells : be always provided 

 with a light basket and a small box in it, in 

 which to put the smaller and more delicate speci- 

 mens. The stones when turned over must be 

 well inspected, as many will be found covered 

 with marine matter, which makes them appear 

 like the stone itself : collect all, and do not despise 



