NOTES FOK STUDY. 15 



water, as the little shells are apt to foil to the 

 bottom. The sand of little coves should be 

 searched for small shells which the waves have 

 brought in. Some fine mollusks live on the kelp, 

 outside the low water mark ; these may be 

 gathered when the sun shines, with the aid of a 

 boat. The stomachs of large fishes often yield 

 rich treasures of deep sea shells, and help us gain 

 some knowledge of those depths which can only 

 be reached by a dredge. 



In collecting mollusks, carefully note their 

 habitat ; whether they live on rocks, weeds, sand 

 or mud, also in what depth of water. Learn if 

 possible their habits and the nature of their food. 

 It is always well to put some of the living speci- 

 mens into a pan or jar of sea water, and watch 

 their movements. Note carefully, in collections, 

 whether the shell resembles in form or color the 

 objects near which it is found. It has been ob- 

 served by some naturalists that the imitative col- 

 oring of a shell apparently has much to do with its 

 chances of remaining unnoticed, arid therefore'of 

 preserving its existence. If this be true to a con- 

 siderable extent, it may give many hints as to 

 the probable places in which to iincl certain spe- 

 cies, 



Mollusks may be preserved in alcohol entire, 

 but generally the shell is the only part which is 

 kept for the cabinet. To remove the soft parts 

 is an undesirable, but necessary work. It is best 

 done by placing the shells in boiling wator tor a 

 few minutes, and then thowing them into cold 

 water to cool and harden. The boiling water al- 



