COLLECTING EQUIPMENT. 



37 



Fig. 34 represents a very Tisefiil net for obtaining aqnaritun 

 specimens. The frame is of strong iron, which is screwed 

 into a stout wooden handle of about 6ft. in length. The 

 material for the net part may be of what is called mosquito- 

 net, or of that light canvas which is sold for straining milk. 

 The net should not be too deep, and be of the shape represented 

 in the engraving. It ought to be — at any rate, the fore part 

 of it — attached to the iron frame by means of small rings, 

 which prevent to a great extent the 

 wearing away of the net by rubbing 

 against the mud, stones, and bottom 

 .of the water. Such a net as this, 

 which should be about 3ft. in cir- 

 cumference, with care will last for a 

 long time. 



Another, a much smaller net 

 in every way, but made upon 

 the same plan, will be found very 

 convenient in addition to the one 

 just described. 



Besides the nets, there should be 

 taken on the hunting expedition, a 

 long piece of strong cord, at the end 

 of which is fastened a kind of hook, 

 made somewhat after the fashion of 

 a tiny anchor. This will be useful 

 for pulling up from the bottoms 

 of ponds, &c., masses of aquatic 

 plants, among the dripping and muddy tangles of which will 

 be found many very interesting creatures. 



A very simple arrangement may be made for obtaining almost 

 any number of Entomostraca and other small aquatic animals. It 

 consists of a wide-mouthed bottle, a small metal funnel, and a small 

 indiambber or leaden tube. The broad end of the funnel is covered 

 with a piece of very fine muslin — so fine that it will hardly allow 

 anything' but the water itseM to pass through it — and the 

 narrow part of the funnel is attached to one end of the tube. 

 As long as the funnel will go into the bottle, the broader 



Fig. 34. Collecting-net. 



