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 
