MARINE COLLECTING. ea 
It is advisable to have the end of the dredge rope fastened 
by a “safety cord,” that is, a small cord tied around the 
dredge rope and made fast to a cleat. Thus, in case the 
dredge suddenly catch, the strain will break the smaller cord 
and allow time for the boat to be turned around without 
breaking the rope and loosing the dredge. When dredging 
from a large boat in deep water this is absolutely indispen- 
sable, if any regard be had for the preservation of the 
collecting apparatus. An experienced person can judge of 
the character of the bottom, the condition of the dredge, 
etc., by tne tremor of the dredge rope. 
When full, the dredge should be pulled up, its contents 
poured into sieves and then washed with water. The sieves 
employed should be made of copper wire and have fine 
meshes. ‘They may be so arranged as to hang over the side 
of the vessel, or they may be placed in a trough which will 
carry away the dirty water without soiling the boat. When 
washed, the contents of the dredge are picked over and the 
specimens preserved according to their character. While this 
operation is in progress, the dredge may be down gathering 
new treasures. 
The trawl, fig. 14, generally consists of a long beam, six to 
ten feet in length, bearing a runner on each end, and attached 
to the beam is a long net whose lower edge is weighted with 
lead. This net should have several “ pockets” and the 
hinder end should have an opening, secured with a string. 
The trawl is attached to the rope and used in a similar manner 
to the dredge. It can only be used on smooth bottoms free 
from rocks, and catches the fishes, shrimps, hydroids, etc., 
