We will now treat the subject of collection systematically under the following four heads, i.e. :

1. How to collect.

2. Where to find.

3. Rough preservation, with storing, labelling, and postage of specimens.

4. The classification of microscopical and biological objects.

I. HOW TO COLLECT.

158. The following instruments which are absolutely necessary for collecting specimens, are drawn on stone at Plate 7: All the instruments with the exception of the forceps net, Fig. 93, have a hole turned in them, carrying a screw-thread of exactly the same size in each tool, so that the same rod (whether telescopic, and fitting into a walking-stick) or single, can be used. Fig 90 represents a wide-mouth bottle fixed into a ring, but removable upon the slide (a), being slipped from off the elastic-like joint; this bottle is used for collecting small water insects, &c. Fig. 91 is a spoon fitted so that the rod can be removed at will, as before described; it is used for scooping up diatoms and desmids from the surface of mud, the rod being used when they are out of reach. Fig. 92 is a net used for catching butterflies, moths, and other winged insects. A stronger net must also be used for water insects. 93 represents a forceps net, very useful for catching beetles and small flies whilst in the act of resting on leaves. 94 is a kind of two-pronged rake; it is used for dragging water-weeds when out of reach of the collector. 95 is a useful tool used for cutting weeds, taking pieces off

96

the bark of trees, and in all cases where a small lever and cutting instrument is required. 96 is a digging tool used for raising bulbs, roots, &c., and in searching for chrysalis. 97 is a pill-box filled with plaster of Paris, with a hole scooped out of the top. Fig. 100 is a separate woodcut of a surface net, improved by Mr. Highley: this is made of bunting, stretched upon a cane hoop and supported by cords; the inner cone is much shorter, it is used to prevent objects being washed out again. At the bottom of the bag is fixed a glass bottle, and a bung is attached to it, with a cord to prevent its sinking too deep. This net is used in collecting marine objects, being towed at the end of a boat; the bottle must be emptied into others occasionally. In marine collecting, a dredge should also be used. Fig.98 represents the corner of an envelope cut off to Fig. 100. the required size: these will be found most useful for collecting all small specimens especially vegetable, like mosses, lichens, &c. Fig. 99 is one of the cell-holders which slide into the rack-box, Fig. 101; the left-hand circle represents one of the ebonite rings which are used for cells, and the right-hand black disc shows one of the circular holes into which they fit; the second circle from the left shows the back of one of the cells, and the next circle represents one of the cells having an insect mounted in it; for further description of these cells, see Paragraph 210. Fig. 101, plate 8, shows the section of a rack-box containing six of the shelves or

cell-holders, like the one at Fig. 99; a full description of these boxes, &c., is given at Paragraph 210. Fig. 102 also shows a square slab of wood as drilled with holes to receive bottles, &c., used in storing specimens, a full description of which is given at Paragraph 208. A modification of this arrangement will also answer well for the collection of objects; two blocks of wood, like Fig. 102, should have holes drilled in them of a suitable size, and in the same position in both blocks, so that upon being placed together the holes should meet; when used for collecting, one block must be filled with the right-size bottles so as to fit rather tightly, the other block must then be placed so that the tops of the bottles fit into it; two stout india-rubber bands must be passed over the blocks to keep them together. By this plan, specimens can be carried in bottles without much risk.

159. When much collecting is done in a marshy district, or if the collector cares more for the algae and other water plants, &c., it is well to have the pockets of his coat lined with oiled silk; this plan will be found very convenient.

160. Fine muslin stretched tightly over a large ring about 1 foot in diameter, will also be found very useful, when fixed to the rod, for catching small water insects, &c., also for gathering desmids when floating in the water.

161. Tin boxes 4 inches long by 3 inches wide, also sardine tins, &c., some of which must be lined with cork, will be found very convenient, and a tin sandwich box is also very useful for smail plants, &c.

162. Before using the collecting bottle, Fig. 48, a