1809.] Contribution to our knowledge of Pelagic Mollusca. 267 



Directions for collecting. 



As my towing net was similar to that used by Mr. McG-illivray, I 

 give his description. It " consisted of bag of bunting (used for flags) 

 two feet deep, the mouth of which was sewn round a wooden hoop 14 

 inches in diameter ; three pieces of cord, a foot and a half long, were 

 •secured to the hoop at equal intervals, and had their ends tied together. 

 When in use the net was towed astern, clear of the ship's wake, by a 

 •stout cord secured to one of the quarter boats, or held in the hand. 

 The scope of the line required was regulated by the speed of the vessel 

 at the time, and the amount of strain caused by the partially sub- 

 merged net."* 



I have tried all kinds of material for nets, and have used iron hoops 

 also, but there is nothing like a red bunting bag of conical shape at- 

 tached to a wooden hoop. The woollen texture of bunting retains so 

 little water, that when hauled up, the sides of the bag do not stick 

 together, as is the case with muslin or " gunny," and as there is less 

 strain when a wooden hoop is used, there is less mutilation in the con- 

 tents of the bag, and the most delicate forms may be procured in a 

 perfect state of preservation. It may be three feet deep, with so much of 

 the bottom, or apex of the cone, cut off as to freely admit the fingers 

 inside. I have always preferred the lee side of the ship, as the water is 

 generally smoothed. The following articles are very necessary, a dark 

 lantern with supply of oil, a good thermometer, a three power pocket 

 magnifying lens.; 4 thin plain glass tumblers without any pattern on 

 them provided with a stand ;f as the breadth of bunting is narrow, I 

 should say 1 yards ; a few rolls of cleating cords ; a couple of thimbles for 

 the grey line or in haul, and two quarts of methylated spirit. As regards 

 ■open-mouthed glass-stoppered bottles, I should recommend three dozen 

 one ounce bottles in a case, filled with methylated spirit and water, half 

 and half; one dozen four-ounce bottles; with some larger ones also. After 

 every haul which, when the animals are plentiful, should take place 

 every ten or fifteen minutes,! carefully pick out all the Pteropods — 



* Voyage of H. TVI. S. " Rattlesnake," Vol. 1. :p..27. 



f They are sold at Osier's at one rupee a piece, of the shape of a frustum 

 of a cone. 



% The bag should be carefully watched and manoeuvred, or else it will be- 

 •come filled with every description of filth from the vessel. 



