MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS. 71 



tied until dry. If the shells of mussels have a chalky ap- 

 pearance, it may be removed by immersing the specimen 

 for a few moments in a bath of diluted muriatic acid. All 

 shells should be carefully washed in fresh water with a 

 tooth-brush. 



Never varnish a shell ; it shows bad taste to try to im- 

 prove upon nature in this way, besides injuring the speci- 

 men for scientific use. As some of the more fragile land 

 shells are liable to crack when drying, it is well to apply 

 a slight coating of gum-arabic dissolved in water. This at 

 some future time may be easily removed. There are also 

 some species from which the epidermis is liable to peel ; to 

 prevent this, Mr. F. W. Putnam informs me that they 

 should be immersed in oil for a short time. 



Worms. Marine worms may be found in the sand or 

 mud and under stones. They should be kept in strong 

 alcohol. Earthworms, Leeches, etc. must also be kept in 

 alcohol. 



Many species of marine worms may be found in the 

 hulls of ships, or in wood that has been immersed in salt 

 water for some time. 



Animal Parasites. Recently in this country, and for 

 some time in Europe, attention has been directed by emi- 

 nent naturalists to the parasites found on birds and other 

 animals, and in their intestines. These should be placed in 

 alcohol. The parasites from each bird or animal should 

 be kept separate, in small phials, with the name of the bird 

 or animal from which it was taken attached, also the date 

 and locality. 



The Jelly-Fishes may be found in deep water or near the 

 shore in countless numbers. There are a great many spe- 

 cies. They may be preserved in the following manner : 

 After catching them in a bucket, pour off the water, and 

 add strong alcohol, a little at a time. The animal will give 

 out water continually during this operation, and alcohol 



