169
LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA, AND
THE METHODS OF COLLECTING AND
PRESERVING THEM.1
By J. E. HARTING, F.L.S., F.Z.S., Etc., Editor of the "Zoologist."
[Read at the Field Meeting in Epping Forest, August 6th, 1887. See page 167.]
Amongst the many beautiful objects in nature which claim the
attention of field-naturalists, some may be said to force themselves
upon our notice, while others require to be carefully looked for.
In the one category we have familiar examples in most wild
flowers, in brightly coloured fungi, in butterflies, and in birds, which
attract us by their notes, by their striking plumage, or by their
peculiar mode of progression, whether on foot or on the wing. In
the other category we may certainly place most of the land and
freshwater Mollusca, and all of the aquatic ones. I say most of the
terrestrial species, because there are a few, like the common Garden
Snail (Helix aspersa), whose size and motion betray them, and others
like the Heath Snail (Helix ericetorum) and the Zoned Snail (Helix
virgata) which are so common in exposed situations, as on open
downs and heaths, that they cannot well escape notice. But as a rule
their comparatively small size, retired habits, and general resemblance
in colour to their natural surroundings, render the majority of land
mollusca inconspicuous; whilst the aquatic forms, from the very
fact of their living in water, or mud, or on the leaves of aquatic
plants, may very easily be overlooked if not specially searched for.
It is, perhaps, chiefly for the reasons stated that the study of the
Mollusca has been hitherto somewhat neglected by the members of
the Essex Field Club ;2 although for aught I know to the contrary,
there may be several assiduous collectors already engaged in investi-
gating this particular branch of Natural History within the area of the
1 The object of this paper is to attract attention to the Mollusca of the County, and to induce
Members to commence gathering and studying them, with a view to the publication of the
results. Beyond Mr. Laver's careful paper on the "Land and Freshwater Mollusca of the
district around Colchester," in our "Transactions" (Vol. ii., pp. 88—97), and Mr. Christy's
notes on white varieties of Cochlicopa and Bulimus (Proc. in., xciii.) nothing of importance
has been published respecting the Mollusca of Essex, although we have reason to think that a
good deal of material has been collected by several members and others. Mr. Harting has
undertaken to draw up a list, etc., of the Mollusca of the Forest district, as announced in Essex
Naturalist (ante p. 115), and will be very glad to receive specimens (with notes of precise
localities and habitats) and any lists or other information, addressed to him at the British
Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, South Kensington, S.W. Mr. Walter Crouch,
"Grafton House," Wellesley Road, Wanstead, will likewise be glad to receive specimens for
identification, more particularly from the Becontree Hundred. Specimens or lists can also be
forwarded to the Hon. Secretary of the Club. Intending helpers are reminded that autumn is
the best time to collect land-shells, as they are then mostly full grown, and with their tints rich
and unfaded. A few hints as to useful books of reference are appended to Mr. Harting's
remarks.—Ed.
2 The author had overlooked Mr. Laver's paper, referred to above.—Ed.