natural history. 
95 
another before they are filled. When moving about, all specimens should 
be wrapped in calico or linen or other rags to prevent their rubbing one 
against the other. This should also be done to the specimens in the 
copper case when a move is necessary, as well as to those finally packed 
for transmission to Europe. These last should have all the interstices 
between the specimens filled in with cotton-wool or rags. If a leak should 
occur in a case, specimens thus packed will still be maintained moist, and 
will keep some time without much injury. Proof spirit should be used 
when the specimens are finally packed, but it is not necessary that it 
should be fresh. 
Land and Freshwater Mollusca .* By Lieut.-Col. H. H. Godwin-Austen, 
f.r.s. —Always most abundant on limestone rocks. Search for under the 
larger stones lying about the ground, and under fallen trees and logs in the 
woods and forests. Will be generally found adhering to the surface of the 
stone or wood. Many species are often only 0‘05 inch in length, so that 
very close examination is necessary. In damp spots, generally in ravines 
with a northerly aspect, the dead leaves when damp with dew in the early 
morning may be turned over one by one, and the under surface examined 
for minute species, and larger species will be found very frequently 
on the surface of the ground below the layer of decaying vegetable matter. 
Tear off the bark of decaying trees also. In the drier parts of the country 
some species are only to be found among the roots of shrubs, and at con¬ 
siderable depth; by digging them out and shaking the earth on to paper, 
small shells may be found on close examination. At a dry place like 
Aden, I should expect to find most of the land-shells alive in such a 
habitat. Look well in caves in limestone on the damp surface of the 
rock; some forms hide themselves under a coating of earthy matter. 
Search also on damp moss and rock near waterfalls. 
Some species will be found high up on the bushes and trees. This is the 
habit of certain African forms especially; not so in India. A very good 
idea may at first be obtained of the land-shells of a country by the 
examination of the beds of the streams, either along the highest flood-line, 
or in the fine sand and mud where it collects in the bed; such land-shells 
will usually be old and bleached, but the living specimens will not be far off. 
* Much useful information may be found in the * Manual of the Mollusca,’ by 
S. P. Woodward, f.g.s., one of Weale’s series: an admirable book in a small form. 
