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JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [Vol. IT., PART I. 



over where the dredge is fixed, they can unfasten it, which I have 

 done scores of times. When the men in the canoe have got it 

 clear of the rock, let the men on board the boat where you are 

 haul in the slack of the dredge rope, by which they wili pull the 

 dredge and canoe clear of the rock, the people in the latter still 

 holding on to the dredge. A little experience will bring you 

 into the mode of dredging. 



The bivalve shells you collect in every situation put into a 

 vessel and throw a quantity of boiling water upon them ; they 

 will then open, and by such means you can take out the animal 

 easily. Then wash them and tie them up close with some small 

 thread, put them to dry in the shade, after which you can pack 

 them away. 



Marine univalve shells you can place in a vessel in some secure 

 place, where the stench will not offend, and let them remain there 

 for a month or so ; the animals will be completely decomposed ; 

 then you can put them into fresh water fjr a day, and by rinsing 

 them in the water you will make all perfectly clean. Never allow 

 any shells to be exposed to the sun, or thrown from one vessel to 

 another, or in any way be roughly treated. If you do, their fine 

 edges and spines will be broken, which will render them of 

 considerably less value. » 



Due attention should be paid to the rivers and streams in the 

 mountains, and all dense woods, and also to heaps of decayed 

 vegetable matter in shady places, for there abundance of shells 

 are frequently to be found. 



