272 ZOOLOGT. 



Most of the first order, are only discoverable on the dissec- 

 tion of other animals, and it would contribute to the 

 advancement of science were their ceconomy more fully 

 tnown, but as they are subjects not very likely to come 

 under the observation of the traveller, we shall pass them 

 without further remark. 



The testaceous order having attracted the attention of the 

 curious, both on account of the singularity of structure, and 

 beauty of colouring in the different species, we shall enter 

 more fully into detail with respect to their capture and pre- 

 servation. 



Shells, as we have before remarked, inhabit the ocean, 

 rivers, lakes, ponds, and some species reside on land ; on 

 capturing any, the most expeditious method of depriving the 

 animal of life, is to emerse it in spirit of wine, after the 

 animal is dead, the shell with its contents, may be placed in 

 hot water for some time, by which, the body of the animal 

 will become firm, and may easily be removed with any sharp 

 instrument, care should be taken that the whole of the 

 animal is extracted, as if any parts are left within the shell, 

 on their becoming putrid, they often give out a stain which 

 is injurious to the m.arkings of the shells ; if any difficulty is 

 experienced in removing the whole of the body, the burying 

 the shell for some hours in an Ant bill, will generally answer 

 the purpose most effsctually, as these little animals will con- 

 sume every fleshy particle. 



OfMultivalve and Bivalve shells, the different parts of 

 the shell should all be carefully preserved, in these no diffi- 



