138 MANUAL OF THE MOLLUSCA. 
of an experienced conchologist, Mr. W. J. Broderip :—‘‘ When 
the tide is at the lowest, the collector should wade among the 
rocks and pools near the shore, and search under overhanging 
ledges of rock as far as his arms can reach. An iron rake, 
with long close-set teeth, will be a useful implement on such 
occasions. He should turn over all loose stones and growing 
sea-weeds, taking care to protect his hands with gloves, and his 
feet with shoes and stockings, against the sharp spines of Hchini, 
the back-fins of sting-fishes, and the stings of Meduse. In 
detaching chitons and limpets, which are all to be sought for 
on rocky coasts, the spatula or case-knife will prove a valuable 
assistant. Those who have paid particular attention to pre- 
serving chitons have found it necessary to suffer them to die 
under pressure between two boards. Ormers (Haliotides) may 
be removed from the rocks to which they adhere by throwing a 
little warm water over them, and then giving them a sharp 
push with the foot sideways, when mere violence would be of 
no ayail without injuring the shell. Rolled madrepores and loose 
fragments of rock should be turned over; cowries and other 
shell-fish frequently harbour under them. Numbers of shell- 
fish are generally to be found about coral-reefs.” In coral regions 
the seryices of natives should be obtained, as they may render 
much assistance by diving or wading. 
Adyantage may be taken of spring-tides, especially at the 
equinoxes, to examine lower tracts of sea-shore than are ordi- 
narily accessible. Many bivalves bury in sand and mud at 
extreme low-water, and may be obtained alive by digging with 
a spade or fork; others may be found boring in piles and rocks, 
and require the hammer and chisel for their extraction.* 
Mr. Joshua Alder remarks that ‘‘in collecting among rocks 
the principal thing 1s to look close, particularly in crevices and 
under stones. Minute species inhabiting sea-weed are best 
obtained by gathering the weed and immersing it for some time 
in a basin of sea-water, when the little mollusks will generally 
creep out. If the shells only are wanted, the surer and more 
ready way is to plunge the weed into freshwater, when the 
animals immediately fall to the bottom.” 
The floating mollusca of the open sea, especially in tropical 
latitudes, are comparatively little known. Good drawings, and 
descriptions made from the life, are most valuable. ‘‘Of the 
animal of the Spirula, entire specimens are greatly wanted. If 
* Pivalves may be boiled, and their soft parts removed when the shells gape. Care 
should be taken not to injure the ligament, or hinge, especially in the genera (like the 
Anatinid ) provided with an ossicle. 
