MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS. 
71 
tied until dry. If the shells of mussels have a chalky ap- 
pearance, it may be removed by immersing the specimen 
for a few moments in a bath of diluted muriatic acid. All 
shells should be carefully washed in fresh water with a 
tooth-brush. 
Never varnish a shell ; it shows bad taste to try to im- 
prove upon nature in this way, besides injuring the speci- 
men for scientific use. As some of the more fragile land 
shells are liable to crack when drying, it is well to apply 
a slight coating of gum-arabic dissolved in water. This at 
some future time may be easily removed. There are also 
some species from which the epidermis is liable to peel j to 
prevent this, Mr. F. W. Putnam informs me that they 
should be immersed in oil for a short time. 
Worms. — Marine worms may be found in the sand or 
mud and under stones. They should be kept in strong 
alcohol. Earthworms, Leeches, etc. must also be kept in 
alcohol. 
Many species of marine worms may be found in the 
hulls of ships, or in wood that has been immersed in salt 
water for some time. 
Animal Parasites. — Eecently in this country, and for 
some time in Europe, attention has been directed by emi- 
nent naturalists to the parasites found on birds and other 
animals, and in their intestines. These should be placed in 
alcohol. The parasites from each bird or animal should 
be kept separate, in small phials, with the name of the bird 
or animal from which it was taken attached, also the date 
and locality. 
The Jelly-Fishes may be found in deep water or near the 
shore in countless numbers. There are a great many spe- 
cies. They may be preserved in the following manner : 
After catching them in a bucket, pour off the water, and 
add strong alcohol, a little at a time. The animal will give 
out water continually during this operation, and alcohol 
