102 JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [ VOL. II., PART I. 



species of shell and their mouth -pieces must be packed together, 

 for this mouth-piece, or operculum, is of great service in deter- 

 mining the species. Some of the land-shells have also a mouth- 

 piece : those also must be placed with the shells to which they 

 belong. Be most careful in attending to this piece of 

 information. 



When your bivalve shells are tied up and dry, wrap them up 

 each in a piece of soft Chinese paper, and pack one of the small 

 boxes so as they shall not break, for they are generally brittle, 

 and must have care taken of them, and if your box is not full you 

 can put in some other light small pill boxes of shells on them. 

 Do not forget their localities, habitats, &c. 



Marine Shells. 



These are found in various situations except the deep sea, 

 where they can only be procured by dredging, which can only be 

 done at great expense of time and cash ; therefore, I shall confine 

 my observations to the littoral shells. 



The best time to collect marine shells on the sea shore is at the 

 new and full moon, for then the tides make greatest ebb ; therefore 

 you should be on the spot two hours before low water, with an 

 assistant to help you in turning over the large stones, should there 

 be any, under which you will find many species of cowries, 

 buccinums, tritons, mitras, cones, and several species of bivalve 

 shells : also many kinds adhering to the stones, which must be taken 

 off with a knife in a very careful manner. Several species bore 

 into the stone itself, which you must break with hammers to get 

 out the shell ; or if the stone be soft, cut it carefully with a hatchet, 

 in doing which you will see many species. Take care when you 

 separate the stone to avoid breaking the shell, and those that may 

 be near it. Be always provided with a light basket with a small 

 box in it, to put the shells into which you collect, for the 

 fine delicate ones must not be placed with the heavy and strong. 



The stones which you turn over must be well inspected, as you 

 will find many shells covered with marine matter, which makes 

 them appear like the stone itself. Collect everything you see, 



