INTRODUCTION vii 



but to the writer's mind, the simpler the outfit, " the more the 

 fun.'' The appliances essentially consist of : 



(1) a drag-net, 



(2) a hand-net, 



(3) several jam jars. 



The Hand-net should be made of strong canvas of a small 

 mesh, and should be carefully sewn on to a ring of wire or cane. 

 The sewing is of importance, and as I do not profess to be an 

 expert on needlework, all that I am able to advise, is that it 

 should be done so as to allow no chance of fraying. The 

 finished net should be fastened on to a fairly strong but not 

 too heavy stick. 



The Drag-net is a metal or wood frame triangular in shape 

 The net required is rather larger than for the hand-net. The 

 wooden frame is perhaps of the most use, as by means of holes 

 bored at suitable distances it allows for the attachment of 

 weights when necessary. 



Hunting the stag amongst the hills of Somersetshire, or the 

 fox on the level lands of the Midlands, are both arts. Likewise 

 the hunting of a pond with success requires experience, although 

 it may often happen that the first attempts may give good 

 results. But it is only by collecting that the pond-hunter 

 learns where to find the various creatures he requires. 



Water is heavy a gallon weighs 10 Ibs. and foolish is he who 

 must carry a gallon of water several miles to his home in order 

 to procure some minute creatures, which would be equally safe, 

 if not safer, in half a pint or even less. 



A very simple way to save carrying water, is by means of a 

 filtering tin or bottle. 



A tin with holes punched through the sides, a piece of very 

 fine muslin tightly fastened round the holes, has been found by 

 the writer to be more or less satisfactory. 



A still simpler idea is to have a cylinder of copper wire gauze 

 of very fine texture. The latter is so easily carried that it is 

 perhaps one of the best methods to advocate. 



It seems hardly necessary to give any details as to methods 

 of using nets. Suffice it to say that the drag-net should be 

 weighted or lightened depending on pond conditions. The net 



