The Museum Volume 1

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 Excerpt: ...so similar in character that their denizens are nearly the same, though some prefer the clearer waters which ilow over sand, to the turbid tide which deposits mud. But few specimens will be found on the surface of such ground, although the little pools lying upon it should be scooped with the dip net for shrimps, etc., but it is only by the spade that its true riches can be developed. By digging in spots indicated by small holes, a great number of worms, boring crustaceans, and bivalves may always be found. Weedy ground is so called from the abundance of eel-grass and sea-weed which covers it. These weeds should be examined carefully for small shells and crustaceans; perhaps the best method of doing this being to wash quantities of the weed in a bucket of water and examine the sediment. Gravelly ground is not generally very rich in animal life, but will repay an examination, as small crabs are fond of lurking among the pebbles. Stoney ground is lv far the richest of all. Wherever there are stones, particularly Hat ones, about large enough to afford a moderate degree of exercise to common si/ed man in turning them over, there the zoologist can never fail to fill his basket and bottles; for beneath these stones myriads of rare and beautiful species retire for moisture and protection during the retreat of the tide. Rocky ground should be searched chiefly in the pools and crevices. Littoral or sea-shore investigations should be carried on not only in the bays, harbors, and creeks, but on the ocean beach, in each locality, to get at a true idea of its fauna, as the respective animals will be found different. For shore collecting, a broad, flat basket, with jars or tin cans, of various sizes, for the smaller and more delicate animals, which should be brought home...