VOYAGER’S COMPANION:

WITH

Instructions for Collecting 8^ Preserv'
ing Subjects of Natural History.

BY JOHN MAWE.

Price 5s.

V* ■^'-^)1!; c* st ■ (Xv> i^y v- ^ C-
\tn\ri A.

S«£ v^dVr

jt

Library
of the

University of Toronto

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2018 with funding from
University of Toronto

https://archive.org/details/voyagerscompanio00mawe_0

Tnr

VOYAGER’S COMPANION,

ou

SHELL COLLECTOR’S PILOT;

WITH

Instructions and Directions tvhere to find
the finest Shells;

ALSO FOR

PRESERVING THE SKINS OF ANIMALS;

AND THE

Best Methods of catching and preserving Insects,
8fc. 8fC. 8^c.

BY J. MAWE.

Author of Treatise on Shells, Lessons on Mineralog;/,
Travels in Brazil, &c.

FOURTH EDITION.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR AND SOLD BY THE AUTHOR,

149, STRAND;

AND liY LONGMAN,* HURST, REES, OKME, BROVtT4, AND
GREF.N, PATERNOSTER ROW.

1 825.

IRIN U D liY W. M‘m)WALl,."' ! ..VHEKTON liOVV
OOlJOIl SQIJAHK.

DESCRIPTION OF FRONTISPIECE.

Low water, and the beach strewed with most
beautiful shells and coral, to tempt the traveller,
and rouse his mind (o contemplate the beauties
of the deep, and the wonderful works of an Om~
nipotent Being —

“ who taught the little Nautilus to sail,

“ Spread his thin oar, and scud before the gale!”

The bird rising from the water, with a shell
in its beak, is emblematical of —

“ Seek, and jc shiUl find.”

ADVERTISEMENT.

SHOULD any person be desirous to send a
box of shells, &c. to the author, he will pay
the charges, and make an adequate return in
whatever way the consignor may direct. It is
proper to observe, that they must be packed in
cases, and entered on the ship’s manifest, and
marked as below, which will prevent any risk
of seizure.

J. MAWE,

King’s Warehouse,

London.

N. B. — When the ship is bound to any out-port,
if the case be directed as above, it will be
duly forwarded to the address.

INTRODUCTION.

IN offering this little Work to the Public, more
especially to Sailors and Travellers, it may not
be improper to state, that the following pages
are, generally, the result of my own observations,
during fifteen years that I was at sea, and sub¬
sequently whilst I was resident for six years in
Spanish America, and the Brazils.

Having sailed to most parts of the globe, I
may say, from experience, that there is no
station which affords such facilities for collect¬
ing shells, and other productions of Nature, as

a

11

INTRODUCTION.

that of commander or officer of a ship, whe¬
ther he please to make it a source of amuse¬
ment, or profit.

In this, as well as in every other division of
natural history, the knowledge requisite to dis¬
cover the scarce and rare varieties, can only be
acquired by practice. To particularize objects
that may present themselves to the traveller, is
not the aim of this work; but, for the benefit
of science, and his own interest, it is desirable
to excite him to collect all he may meet with,
until he has skill to select the most interesting:
and I can assure him he will be amply remune¬
rated for his labor. I say all, for however com¬
mon they may appear in the countries he visits,
they may be scarce in England.

' Several years ago, I published a small
pamphlet, entitled “ Directions to Captains of

INTRODUCTION

HI

Ships, Officers, and Travellers; particularly to
those engaged in the South Sea Fishery,” &e.
which went through two editions. Since that
time, science has rapidly advanced, and it may
be said, there are but few individuals who have
not felt a desire to obtain something more than
an ordinary knowledge of the productions of
nature, whether mineral, animal, or vegetable.
The attainment of this desirable object has been
rendered extremely easy by recent publications,
which embrace, separately, the various bran¬
ches of natural history ; and there is no de¬
partment which has received more illustration
than Conchology*.

* The Author has just published the Systems both of Lin-
uaeus and Lamarck ; as well as an Introduction to Conchology
according to the Linncean Arrangement, with colored plates
and lists of the names of the various species under each genus,
written expressly for Students, and containing particular in¬
structions for Collectors

IV

INTRODUCTION.

When at sea, I have frequently lowered down
my boat to take in floating wood, (wreck), sea¬
weed, &c. which often contained many inter¬
esting vermicules and small shells. The wood
was generally pierced by the Teredo Navalis. —
This animal first attaches itself in the state of
animalcule to the bottonis of ships, if not sheath¬
ed with copper, where it increases rapidly, and
in a short time pierces the planks, growing
larger, and forming its shell as it penetrates.

Whales, tortoises, &c. have frequently bar¬
nacles of a rare description adhering to them :
indeed the Lepas attaches itself generally to
substances of every description.

The Author having observed that the bot¬
toms of ships soon became covered with bar¬
nacles in tropical climates, made the following
experiment while lying at Magadore, on the

INTRODUCTION.

V

coast of Africa: — He attached a piece of wood,
as a buoy, to an anclior, and perceived that in
a few days it was covered with a slimy sub¬
stance, which shortly after became green ; and,
in less than a fortnight, a number of minute
barnacles appeared, which daily increased in
size, and in the course of six weeks exceeded
an inch in length. Pieces of wood are fre¬
quently taken up at sea entirely covered with
Lepadesin groups, having tentacula a foot long,
and of a beautiful bright pink color, accompa-

t

nied by muscles in great abundance. This
seems to prove that the barnacle exists in the
sea, in the state of animalcule.

Limpets may be found in all parts of the
world, adhering to rocks, wreck, &c. &c. —
In many places the sea seldom ebbs without
leaving shells of various species: among the
most common that are exposed for sale in the
markets of the countries the traveller may vi-

VI

INTRODUCTION.

sit, the connoisseur might discover some rare
or interesting varieties.

On the sand, at low water, bubbles of froth
may be tfequently observed : these are indica¬
tions that some marine animal or shell is con¬
cealed underneath, which may generally be
found by digging a few inches below the surface.

I SHALL conclude my observations upon this
subject, with strongly recommending the voy¬
ager to employ fishermen to collect for him. —
These men are well acquainted with the places
where shells may be found, and, for a trivial
remuneration, would reserve what they met
with.

It would also amply repay him, to hire an
expert negro to go into the interior in quest of
Land-shells ; for, though they are less beau¬
tiful than those of the Sea, yet they are interest-

INTRODUCTION.

Vll

ing from their great variety, and desirable from
having been hitherto seldom attended to. —
In Brazil, at the royal farm of Santa Cruz,
where I resided some months, holding a high
official situation, I adopted what I here re¬
commend, and succeeded to the utmost of
my wishes.

It is but justice to acknowledge the many
favors I have received from gentlemen abroad,
who have repeatedly sent to me interesting sub¬
jects, which enrich my collection.

I

i

'4^

I

»

\n^y.yp40sii ai

KiS<l'-/*, )a <rrtfA t«^w i m Tii ‘,v I

if^ f. '»3y</< • ^!i ]

. . If- y \

i*> Ho^C )fit ai JbiTiV ifrfvtvilvi'V) ,

■- -fixity *> v»^ 5

V' liui kU tu jtflN>.if -'«w <i }I ' ^ V v,’^

r «- liiT'|njj<isrt irai vdoi

^ . JtiAw>kr> ^ (i^rts

i r
* '^f*

. »!■

i

•■ -•., <ii^i-j ^ r 4' <( t*y •

K

CHAPTER I.

On Cleaning and Packing Shells.

SHELLS frequently receive considerable inju¬
ry, and sometimes are entirely spoiled, by the
attempts of unskilful persons to clean them*.
It is therefore of essential consequence that the
following observations be most strictly attend¬
ed to.

* The s«iilors of whale ships often grind down the fine epi¬
dermis of rare shells, on the voyage home, to make them look
pretly.

B

0

When a live shell is found, it would soon
become offensive, unless the animal were taken
out. To perform this, nothing more is requi¬
site than to put the shell into a kettle of wa¬
ter, and let it heat gradually until it boils. —
After a few minutes, the shell should be taken
out, and put into a bucket of cold water; the
animal will then shrink, and may generally
be shaken from the shell; but if it should still
adhere, it may be extracted with a crooked pin
or hook, great care being taken not to injure
the mouth, which is commonly the most ten¬
der part *.

* The animal is fometimes removed from the shell by bury¬
ing it in the earth, for two or three weeks : when this method
is adopted, the shell should be carefully washed to destroy the
offensive smell arising from the decomposition of the animal.

3

Oysters, muscles, clams, or limpets may
be treated in the same way ; or they may be
opened with a knife, and the animal cut out ;
which must be done very gently, lest the shell
should be chipped or broken : but the former
method is preferable, since the shell opens spon¬
taneously, when in boiling water. The same
care should be taken in separating limpets from
the rocks, for the least chipping renders them
little esteemed.

This operation being performed, the shells
should be immediately rinsed and stowed away,
without any further attempts at cleaning or po¬
lishing. The epidermis forms a principal char¬
acter, and should on no account be removed;
the perfection of a shell depends on its being in
its natural state.

Many shells are so extremely beautiful, that
few persons can resist the temptation of hand-.

4

ling them, by whom they are frequently drop¬
ped and chipped, and thus rendered of little va¬
lue : the spectator is also often desirous of pos¬
sessing them. The author has known many in¬
stances where the cream of a collection made
during a long voyage has been carried away
by those to whom it was shown. The collector
should therefore remove them out of sight as
expeditiously as possible.

We shall now proceed to describe the best
methods of packing shells. — Pour some saw¬
dust, or if that be not at hand, some sand from
the beach, into a chest or beef barrel ; into this
may be deposited the large and strong shells,
covering them with sand, or saw-dust; but the
tender varieties should be packed singly in
small boxes, and introduced to fill up the in¬
terstices between the large shells. The Paper
Nautili may be packed, with great care, one
within another, in shallow boxes, which should

5

be filled with bran, or any light packing, as
moss, cotton, or paper shavings; as heavier
substances would chip the edges of the shells,
and diminish their value. The boxes into
which these are packed, should never con¬
tain more than one layer. Small chip boxes
may be used for particular varieties, but, as
these are very slight, they should be afterwards
packed within the larger ones.

When all are full, they ought to be stowed
away in an empty barrel or chest, which
should be finally closed or nailed down; pro-
pWy marked, and entered in the Ship's mani¬
fest, as Shells — to prevent seizure. The
Custom House expenses are so trivial, and the
process so easy, that the Author will have plea¬
sure in assisting any one who may be unac¬
quainted with the routine.

CHAPTER II.

Localities of Shells, 8fc.

SHELL-FISH are generally esteemed for food,
and a great variety are to be found in the mar¬
kets of almost every sea-port, both abroad and at
home : at Billingsgate, Portsmouth, Plymouth,
&c. we have our periwinkles or whelks, mus¬
cles, cockles, scallops, gapers, and oysters; the
same species are also exposed for sale in the
markets abroad, but they differ from those
which are found on the English coasts. The
pectens, scallops, cockles, &c. from France and

7

Spain generally vary in some degree from our’s,
which renders it desirable to possess them.

The common shells (except the oyster)
which are found in the Guadalquiver, at Cadiz,
and up the Mediterranean, at Cette, Marseilles,
and more particularly at Naples, (where there is
a great variety of coral), are desirable ; and even
those which resemble the species in the English
seas, for, on close examination, they are found
to differ materially. We are little acquainted
with the shells from the south coasts of the
Mediterranean, Malta, Sicily, or the Archi¬
pelago.

When at Magadore, I found fine limpets, and
an interesting variety of barnacles ; also mus¬
cles, and various land helices, which I persuad¬
ed the Moors to bring from the interior.

Many varieties of shells, some of which are

8

large and in great request, have been brought
from the Gambia, and Senegal The rare
reverse Achatina is found in this country, but
its precise locality is not ascertained.

Of the shells from the Cape de Verde Islands,
as well as from the cluster of the Canaries,
we know but little : the sea-shells are common
to both, and also to Madeira; from the latter
we have lately received some rare land and
fresh-water shells. Others of equal rarity, no
doubt, will be found there, and also at Cape
Verd.

At Goree, and all along the African coast,
varieties of shells occur, which are beaten to
fragments by the surf. At low water, after

♦ Snail shells. The animals constitute an article of food, and
are much; used in soup in the various ports of the Mediterra¬
nean, where I have often seen them boiied in their shells,
and served up with rice,

9

a gale, the beach is strewed with numberless
odd valves, and broken specimens of rare vari¬
eties; and, strange as it may appear, I have
seen a box full of valves, from this coast, out
of which a true pair could not be formed.

The negroes who trade to Sierra Leon, have
been induced to bring land shells from the in¬
terior ; but, as they often apply fire to the shell,
in order to drive the animal out, they are thercr
by much injured, and often entirely spoiled.

From Cape Palmas, the Gold coast, and Bight
of Benin, and from the rocks and islands in the
vicinity, more particularly Aiinabona and St.
Thomas’s, and the coast of Loango, many rare
shells have arrived. We know but little of
the shells found in the Congo or the interior,
but it is probable that many species unknown
to us are produced there. .We haye seen
c

10

many fine specimens from the Portuguese set¬
tlement at Benguela; one of the rarest shells
known, and several very scarce varieties,
have been brought from thence. This coast
also produces large quantities of the Sea-fan
(Gorgonia), and interesting sea-weeds (Algae),
all of which are desirable.

Farther south, from Saldanna Bay to the
Cape, the shells are similar, and in great va¬
riety, but are generally broken on the surf-
beaten shore. The coasts on each side of the
Cape abound with interesting shells.

Having taken a cursory view of the Euro¬
pean and African coasts, I now purpose to de¬
scribe what the Collector may meet with in
North America: and although it appears that

11

cold climates in general are unpropitious to the
production of richly-colored shells, yet he will
discover among them some interesting varie¬
ties.

On the coast of Labrador a beautiful sub¬
stance called liabi'ador Spar, is found in abun¬
dance ; for tl>e bright iridescence of its colors
it stands preeminent in the mineral kingdom.
From a missionary settlement of the Moravians
at Okkak, a great number of singular, black
anomias have been lately received; they in¬
habit a salt lagoon near the coast. The varieties
of the same shell, from Greenland, are similar
and larger.

Thence, along the coast of America, the
only species that has been found worthy ot'no-
tice, is the Ostrea Arborea, or Tree Oyster.
In the Chesapeak, at Norfolk, Hampton,

12

and up James River, these oysters have been
found grouped on the arms of trees and shrubs
that spread out their branches horizontally from
the banks, and are washed by the flood tide,
and dry on the ebb.

The Bahama Islands and adjacent reefs pro¬
duce many interesting shells, as the Ostrea
Margaritifera, (Pearl Oyster); Paper Nauti¬
lus ; some fine Chitons, thei'e called Sand Tur¬
tles; and Corals of great beauty. The Conch
that contains the highly valued pink pearl, is
to be found there ; petrified stumps of the Palm-
tree, some of which are very fine; many va¬
rieties of Madrepore, Sponge-coral, Gorgonia,
and a curious little animal called Hypocam-
pus; birds of great variety, insects, and a mul¬
titude of other interesting subjects, are brought
from thence. The romantic caves, and mag¬
nificent coral reefs that adorn the island of

13

Bermuda, have awakened the raptures of the
Poet —

Come with me, and we will go,

Where tlie rocks of coral grow.

The coasts of Georgia, and North and South
Carolina, produce many species, particularly of
the Olives, (Voluta Oliva), of great beauty. —
From the group of the Bahamas, and the rocks
by which they are surrounded, many shells
have been gathered, which are similar to those
found on the coast of Cuba. From the inte¬
rior of this island, many rare shells of consi¬
derable value have been lately brought to Bour-
deau by a French vessel.

Of the testaceous productions of the island
of New Orleans, the Mississippi, and the whole
of that range, we have obtained but little infor¬
mation.

14

At Panama, both fine and common shells
are in great abundance. Some rare specimens
have found their way from Vera Cruz, which
probably came from the Pacific. And we have
lately received a few rare fresh-water shells
from the Ohio, which the American naturalists
are sharply looking after.

From the West Indies, shells have been
brought in such abundance, and of so little in¬
terest, that a strong prejudice exists against
them : but, from a source so productive, it is
highly probable that some rare shells will be
discovered, when gentlemen of science in these
islands shall think conchological researches
worthy of their attention. The collections re¬
ceived from thence are made by the natives,
and calculated to please mere novices only. —
On the coast of Jamaica, the keys, and pali¬
sades, Conchs (Strombus Grandis), Helmets, or

15

Queen Conchs, are extremely abundant, as well
as at Montego-bay, Savanna, &c. At Martha
Brae, and other parts of the island, may be
found very fine corals.

The islands of Tortola, Porto Rico, Guada-
loupe, and Martinique, produce very fine Tro-
chi, bivalves of great beauty, Chitons, and a
considerable variety of common shells; and
many interesting specimens have been found
in the Savannahs and Lagoons.

From Grenada, Trinidad, the mouth of the
Oronoko, and the adjacent coast, some rare
shells, as the Venus Dione, &c. have been
brought; and it may be expected, that, at some
future day, many new and beautiful varieties
will arrive from thence.

A FRIEND of mine, commander of a ship,
who went to Demerara, employed, at my re-

16

quest, an expert negro to go into the interior,
to collect land and fresh-water shells. The
man was absent about a week, and collected a
box full of Helices, commonly termed Snail-
shells, and muscles : these were packed with
refuse cotton, and the whole expense did not
exceed six dollars. I cannot too strongly re¬
commend the hiring of fishermen or clever ne¬
groes, (who should be liberally remunerated),
to collect as well as to pack ; and thus free
their employers from any trouble.

The land shells and muscles which may be
found over the whole of the vast territories of
Essequibo, Surinam, and Cayenne, are very
desirable. I would amply repay any one for
what he might bring from the interior of those
countries : the rivers, lakes, &c. are extreme¬
ly productive.

Of the shells from the Amazons, the great

17

island Joannes, and from the district of Para,
we know little or nothing, except that there
are found in the interior many fine helices,
muscles, &c. — Shells, therefore, however com¬
mon in those places, would be objects of at¬
tention here.

The land and fresh-water shells from Per¬
nambuco, Bahia, and Rio Janeiro, are quite
as interesting, if not more so, than those which
are found on the coast. I have lately received*
through the kindness of Dr. Gardner, several
new varieties from the interior, of great inter¬
est and value.

To the southward of Rio*, near the isle of

« At the Royal Farm, Santa Cruz, about forty miles from
Rio, where I held an official lituation, (first administrator), I

D

18

St. Sebastian, the Paper Nautilus, the famed
Cedo Nulli, and other fine shells are frequently
found.

A Few years ago, after a gale of wind,
a spring tide ebb left a reef of Nautili and other
shells along the coast of Bayrah, mutilated by
the surf. A Government ship was there at
the same time, loading with timber: on her
return to Chatham, I received intelligence from
an oflScer on board, that he had collected a
quantity of them. I sent a person down, who
purchased of the steward, cook, &c. to the
amount of twenty-five pounds. A similar cir-

directed some expert negroes to pick up what snail shells and
curious animals they might meet with : these they left at my
house as they passed; and, by allowing them a small compensa¬
tion, I obtained many fine shells, insects, birds, reptiles, and
small animals.

19

cumstance occurred under my own observation,
at the mouth of the Guadalquiver, near Cadiz ;
where, after a gale of wind, and at ebb tide, a
reef of bivalves was left, several feet high, and
above a mile in length, from whence I select¬
ed many fine varieties. Indeed, almost every
gale of wind throws up some interesting shells.

From the interior, near Santa Cruz, from Isle
Grande, Sebastian, Porcos, and that Archipe¬
lago, also along the coast to Bertiojo and San¬
tos, I collected many curious shells; but,
strange to tell, I have found it difficult to per¬
suade any one to send me another supply, al¬
though they may so easily be obtained. No,
they think them common, and because they
really are so there, they do not bring or send
them. We know nothing of the shells pro¬
duced along this coast, more than that they are
in request for the table. The low land about

20

the harbour of Saint Francisco, must produce
many varieties.

When at the isle of St. Catherine, and the
bays near it, I employed the fishermen, and
obtained from them many valuable varieties of
limpets, barnacles, &c. star-fish, coral, and
sea-weed ; also muscles and land-shells from
the lagoons, to which 1 gave the preference,
as some of them were unknown species.

From the Rio Grande, though so large a la¬
goon, we have not received a single species.

In searching for shells in the river Plata, 1
was altogether unsuccessful, notwithstanding a
gale of wind, called a Pampero, had left the
river dry in many places, from two to three
miles in extent; nor were the fishermen,
whose attention I engaged, more fortunate. —

21

I have been told, however, that fine volutes are
met with there.

Many fossil shells may be found under a
black vegetable soil, resting on granite, near
Monte Video, a little beyond the gate, going
to the well, to which I was conducted by a
most worthy clergyman, the Rev. D. Damaso
Larranaga. This excellent priesthas paid con¬
siderable attention to natural history; and to
his kindness I was greatly indebted, during my
residence at Monte Video.

I COLLECTED some good shells in the inte¬
rior, and at Barriga-negra, near the river Se-
bollitee, where I was detained many months,
on my parole *.

* Sec the Atithor’s TraTcls through the gold and diamond
district of Brazil.

90

The rocks which form the Falkland Islands,
produce very fine limpets. Many good shells
have been brought from Magellan Straits, and
some fine muscles and rare Buccina from
Staten Land. The remote islands of South
Georgia produce fine limpets of a beautiful
bronze-like lustre, and thick strong Buccini,
w hich are highly desirable.

After doubling Cape Horn, notwithstand¬
ing the great intercourse which has existed of
late years, between this country and Chili, it
is surprising that we should know compara¬
tively nothing of the testaceous productions of
that great extent of coast, or of the numerous
fine rivers and islands belonging to that terri¬
tory. From Peru, however, many beautiful
and rare varieties of shells have been brought,
more especially from the shores of Callao, and
farther north. Hence, until we reach the bay
of Panama, we are equally unacquainted with

23

the shells that may be produced on the coasts
and rivers.

In the cluster of islands in the bay of Pana¬
ma, there is a fishery for pearls, which are
large and well formed, but of bad color. Ma¬
ny fine murices, and other rare shells have
been found there.

The Gallipagos islands are rich in shells; —
it is astonishing that more varieties have not
been brought from thence. I have received,
through the favor of some of the captains and
officers of whale ships, some choice speci¬
mens.

F ARTHER north we meet with no shells, until
we arrive at Ceres Island, off the coast of Ca¬
lifornia. From this island the finest ear-shells,
(Haliotis Splendens), have been brought: for

24

those which fell into the Author’s hands, in
less than a year, he paid above 100/: they
were generally brought to him by sailors be¬
longing to ships that went there for seal skins.
It may be remarked, that the lepas of these
seas, as well as many of the other shells, differ
from the same species in the Atlantic, particu¬
larly the limpets, muscles, and clams.

Still farther north, with the exception of
some rare trochi and muscles from Nutka
Sound, no shells of any interest have reached
this country.

In crossing the Pacific, the Sandwich islands
are frequently visited; the shells from whence
are in great request. This cluster is surround¬
ed by large coral rocks, amongst which is a
fishery for the Beche de Mar, (Sea Grub),
for the Chinese market. A ship lately from

25

tlience, has brought some beautiful pectens
and other bivalves.

To the south of the line, are the rich groups
of the Marquesas and Society Islands, all of
which produce rare and most beautiful shells.
From Magdalena a fine lot once fell into my
hands, which were collected by a celebrated
circumnavigator. Commanders and officers of
whale ships, &c. are requested to pay particular
attention to the shells, and whatever is thrown
up or strewed along the beach of these islands.

From Otaheite we have received many
rare shells, the limpets and chitons from thence
are much in request; as well as the land shells,
which, possibly, may prove to be new spe¬
cies.

From New Zealand, particularly Dusky

V.

26

Bay, rare trochi, hammer oysters, and beautiful
cones have been brought ; and in the other bays
of these islands, rare volutes and valuable shells
are found, which visitors have until lately ne¬
glected.

The coast of New Holland, and the adja¬
cent islands, and particularly the straits of the
southern part, produce many valuable shells.
Van Dieman’s Land offers a vast field to the
naturalist, particularly to the conchologist,
zoologist, and entymologist, who would be
amply remunerated for whatever they might
collect; and I may here state, that, for seve¬
ral years, I paid* more than Two Hundred

* One of the 6nest collections of shells ever brought to this
country, was formed by Col. Robson, Lieut. Governor of St.

27

Pounds per annum, chiefly for shells, to gen¬
tlemen who amused themselves, and profited
largely, by collecting. The finest lot of the
Turbo Phasianus, that was ever brought to
this country, was gathered by two boys inWest-
ern Port. — A whale-ship off the coast sent a
boat on shore to search for fresh provisions, as
birds and animals : while the crew were shoot¬
ing, the boat grounded amongst large stones
and weeds ; and, during the time before she
floated,the boys left in charge of her employed
themselves in gathering the shells entangled in
the weeds and about the stones, from whence

Helena, who was a connoisseur. He obtaine<l them from Dutch,
Danish, and Portuguese ships, particularly South SeaWhalers. —
The commanders of these ships, w.anting refreshments, found it
their interest to present him with any shells he might please to
select. Hence that gentleman formed a superior collection
which I purchased after he retired from the service.

28

they took many limpets and large chitons. —
On their return home they brought them to
me, and, though I gave them the price they
demanded, I thought it not only right, but po¬
litic, also to make them a handsome present, in
order to stimulate them to keep a sharp look
out for shells, on another voyage. Here, I am
sorry to state, that officers seldom trouble
themselves with collecting. It is to be lament¬
ed, that the beautiful productions of nature are
not more noticed : the boys, or inferior officers,
are generally the only persons who save what
they may pick up, and thus add a few pounds
to their wages.

The numerous islands in these seas abound
with fine shells; but from New Caledonia, the
New Hebrides, and the Carolinas, none have
yet been received. And strange as it may
appear, the authorof the Narrative on the Pel-

29

lew Islands has not described, or even noticed,
the shells that are found there. An at¬
tempt was made, some years ago, to establish
a pearl fishery on the coast of one of the Fe-
gees, from whence some rare shells have been
brought. The finest Volutes ever seen in this
country, were collected on Bligh’s Island*.

Farther north, are the Ladrone Islands,
a highly interesting group : the rare Cypraeae
are from thence. At Guam, a friend obtained
for me the most beautiful Cypraea Aurora that

* Named after Admiral Bligh. His lady possessed one of
the finest collections of shells in Europe. The admiral having
so often circumnavigated the globe, and being afterwards Go¬
vernor of New South Wales, she was enabled to enrich her
collection with the most rare and valuable species from all
parts of the world. This superior and extensive collection pass¬
ed into my hands for a valuable consideration.

has yet appeared : other rare and interesting
varieties are also found there.

The vast archipelago of the Philippine Is¬
lands is a rich field for the Collector : here the
Chinese carry on a trade for the pearl shell,
which is left on the coast at low water. From
hence we have received the Imperial Volute,
Junonia, and many other varieties, of great
rarity and beauty. From some Spanish and
Portuguese traders I have been favored with
many rare specimens. Of the land shells of
these islands we know nothing, but have great
reason to suppose, that the Helix Labarynthi-
ca is from hence.

The shells fi-om the Chinese seas and rivers
are generally interesting: they have an opa¬
lescent hue, and are in great demand for inlay¬
ing wood and Japanned work. The Japan

Islands, Formosa, and the entrance of Can¬
ton river, produce rare shells. The scarce
varieties of the Nautilus are from the coast of
Japan. The productions of these seas may be
bought at the small shops in Canton, and are
often vended by itinerant dealers. If any of the
commanders or officers of our ships would em¬
ploy an intelligent fisherman to collect land
and fresh- water shells, he might, for a few dol¬
lars, depend upon obtaining very many inter¬
esting shells, for which he would be amply re¬
munerated upon his return. The very com¬
monest productions of the Chinese seas have
been neglected, (probably from their gene¬
ral occmrrence or uninviting appearance), al¬
though desirable in this country ; while, on the
other hand, carved Nautili, and large green
shells, which have been polished, to display their
pearly lustre, have been bought with avidity,
but have failed to repay the collector, or grati¬
fy the connoisseur.

Gold and Diamonds, which are found in
the soil of the rivers, have been brought from
Borneo; but we are ignorant of what shells
may be produced on the coast of that large
island, or in the interior.

From the extensive group of the Celebes
and Sooloo Islands, very fine shells have
been received : these were collected by officers
of ships of war, or circumnavigators. One
of the rarest shells known, was brought up
adhering to the mud on the anchor of an
Indiaman, when getting under weigh, in the
straits of Macassar. As ships are often ob¬
liged to come to an anchor, and are sometimes
detained for a length of time amongst these
islands, the Malay fishermen, were they pro¬
perly encouraged, would bring on board many
interesting and valuable shells. The elegant
and scarce perfume Ambergris is met with in
these seas.

33

From the islands between the north coast
of New Holland and New Guinea, especially
Timorlaut, Aroo, and the Banda Islands, ma¬
ny valuable shells have been brought; the rare
Murex Aruanus is from these seas.

To the westward, the cluster of islands at
the east end of Java is finely situated for
shells. At Timor, is a reef of beautiful red
coral. — A captain of a whaler, while at this
island, received from a fisherman, whom he
had employed, numberless Echinites, Volutes,
Cones, and Cardia ; some rare Barnacles and
Limpets ; and Chitons of an extraordinary
size.

We may judge, by the few collections of
shells that have been brought from Batavia,
that the island of Java must produce many

F

^4

fine varieties, although they have liitherto l;etn
unnoticed.

On the coast of Sumatra, is found the rare
Strombus Fusus, and many other valuable
shells. A Serpula Gigantea, (a tubular shell
about an inch in diameter), was dug out of the
bank of a river after an earthquake. For the
possession of this rare species, I am obliged to
Mr. Griffiths, a gentleman high in the service
of the Hon. East India Company. Sumatra
is also rich in gold, which is found in the allu¬
vium. The neighbouring Isle of Banca is cele¬
brated for its tin, which is likewise found in
the alluvium. In some parts of the island, the
strata of this metal are only a few inches be¬
low the surface, and of considerable thickness.

PuLO-PENANG, and the other islands in
these seas, produce many fine shells; and from

Malacca, several specimens of considerable va¬
lue have been received. Now that Sincapore
has been ceded to us, we may expect that ma¬
ny new shells, and various other subjects of
natural history, yet unknown to us, will ar¬
rive in this country from the Burmese em¬
pire.

To the northward of Sumatra, are the Ni¬
cobar islands, which give name to the fine
Cone, (Conus Nicobaricus) : the Moravians
had a settlement there, by whom some valu¬
able shells were sent to Europe, which ulti¬
mately fell into my hands. In the Andamans
a British factory was once established ; the
beauty of the shells attracted the attention
of the settlers, who sent home some fine speci¬
mens. During the war, these islands were
tabandoned, and the shells from thence are con¬
sequently become rare and much in request;

36

the limpets and chitons were fine and of large
dimensions.

Proceeding northward, along the whole
extent of coast, which forms the Bay of Ben¬
gal, it is surprising that only one shell, a little
black Nerite, which is said to be found in the
Hoogly, a branch of the Ganges, should have
arrived in Great Britain from that country. —
And it is still more astonishing, that we have
received, from the interior of India, so few
land or fresh-water shells, when we consider
the extent of our possessions in that peninsula,
and the number of intelligent officers belong¬
ing to our numerous military establishments.
The French are much richer in the produc¬
tions of India : indeed, their officers and mer¬
chants have at all times paid particular atten¬
tion to the various departments of natural his¬
tory.

37

Madras presents such a surf-beaten coast,
that no perfect specimens can be expected to
be found there. The Dutch, when in posses¬
sion of Tranquebar, sent from thence many
fine shells, which now enrich the cajjinets of
Europe. The Helix from Seringapatam, is a
most beautiful specimen.

We now come to the justly famed island of
Ceylon *, well known to Conchologists for the
fine and rare Volutes, Cones, Trochi, Venuses,
Mactras, &c. found on its coasts; also for the
land and fresh-water species from the interior.

* Soon after the capture of Ceylon, a gentleman in the Civil
service purchased for me the Dutch Governor’s Collection,
which was many years in forming, and intended for the Mu¬
seum at Harlem. This grtmd collection contained the finest
specimens peculiar to the island and neighbouring seas.

38

There is here a grand pearl fishery, where the
divers employed frequently bring up other
shells, which are always in greater perfection
than those found on the beach. On one side
of a peculiar bank, adjoining the coast, is a
fishery for the Voluta Pyrum, (Shank-shell),
which, if we may credit report, is never found
on the other side. This fishery is in the hands
of Government ; and, as the shell, when cut
transversely, is formed into armlets and vari¬
ous other ornaments, which are worn in every
part of India, a considerable revenue is derived
from it. The common shell 5 also, which are
found on the coast of this island, are desir¬
able; the limpets, cockles, oysters, chitons,
and barnacles, are much admired, and in great
request.

On the Malabar coast, at Cochin and Tilli-
cherry, I gathered some rare Fact, and a few

siinall shells-, but of little importance. At
Old-woman’s Island, near Bombay, I found
some rare shells; among which was a very
fine, though small. Bulla Vdlva.

Hence, until we approach the PersianGulph,
I am not aware that any shells, worth notice,
are to be found. From the sands and shores
of the adjacent coast, many extremely fine va¬
rieties have been gathered, which bear the dis¬
tinguished names of the Persian Crown, Volu-
ta Gambronica, &c.

The Red Sea, and its islands, produce ma¬
ny fine shells. Lord Valentia, (now Earl
Mountnorris), during his travels in those parts,
discovered some new varieties. I take this
opportunity of acknowledging his Lordship’s
generosity, in presenting me with his dupli¬
cates. Science is also indebted to his Lord-

40

sl'iip for the discovery of some rare exotic plants,
minerals, &c.

The extensive island of Madagascar is high¬
ly deserving of attention: its coasts abound
with shells, particularly Buccina, Cypraese,
Strombi, Murices, and Chitons ; and it is pro¬
bable that its rivers produce Muscles, some of
which might prove to be new species; but of
these, as well as of the land shells, we have at
present no information. It also produces Gold,
highly diaphanous rock crystal, with various
other minerals ; and insects and birds of extra¬
ordinary beauty. It is much to be regretted,
that an island so interesting to the Concholo-
gist. Mineralogist, and Entymologist, should
have remained so long unexplored by us. The
French have derived many fine specimens from
tlience, in these three departments of natural
history, which were collected during the time

41

it was in their possession — this ought to stimu¬
late us in our researches.

We know nothing of the shells that occur
on the eastern coast of Africa, until we arrive
at Zanzibar and Mozambique. The fresh¬
water and land shells cannot fail of being ex¬
tremely interesting. It is to be hoped that
we shall receive many new species from the
ships now surveying the coast. The harbour
and bay of Mozambique, are extremely rich
in shells, generally the common varieties of
the Cypraea Tigris, and Bull’s Mouth (Bucci-
num Rufum). The exterior of the latter has a
stratified appearance when cut, and resembles
an onyx. Most beautiful figures are carved
^ upon it, which closely imitate the finest an¬
tique gems, and are known under the name
of Shell Cameos : this species of engraving is
carried to great perfection in Rome. The com-

G

mon or right Whales, which are caught in
these seas, have their jaws frequently covered
with curious barnacles. Numerous chitons and
limpets are found adhering to the rocks on va¬
rious parts of the coast. The exports of Mo¬
zambique are at present almost exclusively
confined to ivory, gum, gold-dust, ostrich fea¬
thers, and wax; but it may be expected that
shells and minerals will form a part, when
some of our enterprising countrymen in this
settlement shall devote a few hours, by way of
recreation, to the collecting subjects of natural
history.

The group ofislands called Sychelles, produce
an imemense quantity of shells of different spe¬
cies, but none very rare or valuable.

The Comora Islands, particularly Johanna,
abound with common cowries, of which I have

43

seen large heaps collected on the beach, and
small vessels loading with a peculiar species of
them, which pass for currency in Africa, and
some parts of India.

The Isles of Bourbon and France are high¬
ly and deservedly celebrated for shells — and
it may be remarked, that whatever is produ¬
ced there, is the most beautiful of its species.
The famous Manteau of St. Jaques is fished
up from the numerous coral reefs on some
parts of the coast. The regret we have so
often had occasion to express, does not apply
to the officers and men garrisoned in these
islands. They, on the contrary, employ much
of their leisure time in fishing for Harps and
Olives, which they effect by means of a baited
hook, and a line upwards of a thousand yards
long. Of course, the shells that are brought
up from so great a depth, not having been ex-

u

posed to the turbulence of the waves, are in a
very high state of perfection. The reader will
be surprised to learn, that I have paid several
thousand pounds for collections of shells, which
I have received through the hands of oflBcers
of distinguished rank in Ceylon and the Isle
of France.

The ship which took out the first settlers to
Algoa-bay, on her return home, brought me
many interesting land and fresh- water shells,
which the commander was kind enough to col¬
lect. On the coast about the Cape, as well as
on the rocks and islands in the bays, some good
varieties have been found, particularly limpets,
and large zebra-striped land shells, which are
tender, and require great care in packing.

I HAVE now taken the navigator through
most of the seas, and have briefly enumerated

45

the places where he is most likely to discover
fine and rare shells. I shall now conclude this
part of my subject in his own language, advis¬
ing him to keep a good look out.

The Science of Conchology was scarcely
knowm in this country thirty years ago. For¬
merly the Dutch and the French, masters of
those seas where the finest shells abound, form¬
ed the only collections of importance; from
which the immortal Linnaeus derived the ma¬
terials for his excellent .system. To the intro¬
duction of this elegant branch of natural history
into Great Britain, we are principally indebted
to the late Duchess of Portland, who became
its patroness : many of the rarest shells extant
have adorned her Grace’s cabinet. Since that
period our fair country-women, whose solicita-

46

tions no one can withstand, have been the
means of stimulating our enterprising voya¬
gers to collect the beauties of the deep; and
we may now boast of possessing the finest ca¬
binets in Europe.

47

AMBERGRIS.

AS this substance is a marine production, I
have thought proper to introduce some account
of it here.

This delicious perfume is, without doubt,
the produce of the Sperm-whale*, and pro¬
bably is the result of a disease in the digestive
organs. Captain Poole, the commander of a
whale-ship, in pushing a lance through the
blubber, and near the passage of the abdomen,
felt it strike against something hard, and on

■* The fibres of the skin from the head of this whale are of
great tenacity , excellent ropes may therefore be manufactured
of them, especially for situations exposed to much friction : it is
said that they are stronger than catgut, and make better strings
for violins.

48

drawing it out, the edge was much blunt¬
ed. Having cut into the intestine canal, he
perceived that the lance had struck against two
large pieces of Ambergris. There is every rea¬
son to suppose, that this substance sometimes
stops up the passage of the abdomen, and ul¬
timately occasions the death of the animal.

Many other instances have been recorded
of Ambergris having been found in the Sperm-
whale, and also on the coast, after a diseased
fish has been seen near the shore.

CHAPTER III.

On Insects.

THIS branch of natural history has received
considerable attention ; but to obtain even a
slight knowledge of the subject, much time
and great labour are required. The collecting
and preserving of insects, is also attended with
no small trouble ; and what is still worse, it
seldom repays those who collect with a view
to profit.

We shall proceed to describe the imple¬
ments that are used, and the methods that are
adopted in catching insects at rest or on the
wing; but, first, let me advise the Collector
to handle them as little as possible, lest he
n

50

should disturb or destroy the delicate down,
to which many of them owe their greatest
beauty. Before he proceeds on his search, he
will do well to provide himself with a stock of
pins, wdth which he is to pierce the insects he
may catch, and a small box lined with cork,
or soft wood. With a pair of gauze forceps he
may catch insects when at rest; but if they are
on the wing, and within reach, he must use a
hand-net, which may be made of any light sub¬
stance, as a piece of gauze about a yard and
a half square, fastened to two pliable sticks
or canes, whereby it may be made to open or
collapse at pleasure. If they are beyond his
reach, he must use a casting net, which I have
tried with considerable success. It may be
made thus: tie a weight, (a halfpenny, for in¬
stance), in one of the corners of a piece of
gauze, (about the size of a common handker¬
chief), a sixpence in the second corner, and a
bit of very light wood in the third: the ine-

51

quality in the weight and bulk of these sub¬
stances will occasion the gauze to open when
thrown from the hand: a thin piece of twine,
a yard or two long, may be tied to the remain¬
ing corner, by which the net may be drawn
in at pleasure. The art of spreading it to its
full extent may be acquired with very little
practice.

Having caught the insects, the next thing
is to preserve them. Moths, butterflies, lo¬
custs, and others of this class, may be killed
by nipping them across the thorax. Wasps,
bees, hornets, &c. when secured, may be
treated in the same way, guarding the hand
with a handkerchief; or they may be squeez¬
ed with a pair of forceps: but if the Collector
be not careful in performing this operation, he
will in all probability have cause to regret his
w'ant of caution. Or they may be killed by
putting them into a glass immersed halfway in

boiling water, and covering the top close ; or
by placing them on a plate under an inverted
tumbler, and setting it before the fire fora mi¬
nute or two. I have known gentlemen to put
colleopterous insects, as beetles, wasps, &c. in¬
to a commo \ pocket bottle half full of spirits,
with which they have travelled some days, and
brought them home quite perfect.

The intestines of butterflies, and large in¬
sects, shovdd be extracted; which may be
done by cutting a slit with a fine-pointed
pair of scissars, at the extremity of the bo¬
dy, and gently pressing them out; a small
roll of cotton or paper, dipped in the pre¬
servative soap, slioiild then be introduced to
keep the body in its natural form.

Insects have been frequently rendered less
interesting, by packing them in cotton, which
is perhaps one of the worst substances that

can be used for this purpose, as the very deli¬
cate claws, feelers, &c. of some species, are
certain to become entangled in it. The best
method is to stick the pins (on which they are
fixed) very fast into the bottom, sides, and
top of the box I have already described. —
When the box is full, and the insects quite
dry, a small portion of camphor should be
placed securely in the corners; and the open¬
ings should be closed with pitched canvass,
otherwise the ants, so numerous and over¬
powering in hot countries, would enter and
devour the contents.

The finest insects are brought from the tro¬
pical climates. Brazil, India, Java, China, &c.
produce beautiful species.

The insects from new countries, and those
islands and remote parts which are seldom vi-

54

sited, cnnnot fail of exciting interest, either by
their beauty or rarity.

THE following is the Recipe for making the
Preservative Soap. — As both it and the Pow¬
der are deadly poisons, I have thought proper,
by adopting the technical phraseology, to con¬
ceal (in some degree) the ingredients froui
those who might apply them to improper pur¬

poses.

Arsenici Oxydi .

Saponis . 5j

Potassae Carbonatis . ^vj

Aquae Saturatae . 5vj

Camphoroe . 5U

The Preservative Powder.
Arsenici Oxydi pulvis.

CHAPTER IV.

On Birds.

MANY species of Birds, of surpassing beauty,
have been brought by travellers from foreign
countries, and have been domesticated here ;
and the skins of others, (whose tender natiure
unfits them for our colder climate), have been
brought home and preserved. Thus, to a great
extent, we possess the fine varieties of the fea¬
thered creation belonging to tropical climates.

The process to be observed in taking the
skin from birds, is not at all difficult; but it
would greatly facilitate the acquiring dexterity
in the art, to see the operation once or twice
performed by a skilful practitioner.

56

Before the operator proceeds to remove
the skin, he should place the plumage as
smooth as possible, and carefully clean it
from any spot of blood or dirt that may appear
upon it: a little piece of soft linen rag, or pa¬
per, should be placed in the mouth, which
should then be sewed or tied up, to prevent
any blood issuing from it. The bird should
now be laid on its back, and an incision made
with a knife along the breast bone, (where
the feathers divide), as far as the vent, taking
great care not to cut the flesh : an ivory pa¬
per knife, or the fingers, may then be intro¬
duced, to separate the skin from the breast;
and some absorbent, as chalk or flour, should
be applied occasionally to the inside of the skin,
to prevent its adhering to the body. The thighs
being gently forced up, the flesh should be cut
off, leaving the bone quite clean. The skin may
now be easily separated from the body down
to the rump, wliich must be cut off; then draw

57

it over the back, as far as the wings, which
cut oif close to the body ; then pushing the
joint from the outside inwards, the skin will
easily separate from the flesh, which must be
scraped off the bones. It may then be pulled
over the neck and part of the head, as far as
the eyes ; and the head mustbe pressed inwards,
and separated from the neck. In the back of
the skull a hole should be made with a pen¬
knife, of sufficient size to admit an instrument
resembling an ear-picker, but rather larger,
with which the brains, eyes, tongue, and the
fleshy membranes may be extracted, taking
care not to disturb the bones of the head. —
The skin must be very carefully examined,
(particularly about the vent and rump), and
every piece of flesh or fat removed, and the
feathers placed in exact order.

As the skin in this state is extremely sus¬
ceptible of enlargement, the greatest precau-

I

58

tion is necessary not to extend it. The pre¬
servative powder, or soap, is now to be care¬
fully introduced into every part; and if any
appearance of moisture remain, it should be
completely absorbed by a linen cloth, and the
powder again applied. It is necessary to ob¬
serve, that the skin must not be hung up to
dry, unless a string be passed under it from
the rump to the head, so that it may hang on
the string, and not by any particular part,
which would otherwise be stretched beyond its
natural size.

The skin may now be prepared for packing,
by placing the wings and extremities in their
proper positions, and laying smooth the plu¬
mage: a little cotton may be put in the in¬
side, and sewed up, to preserve the form; after
which it should be carefully folded in paper,
or placed between the leaves of a book, and
kept free from damp.

CHAPTER V.

On Reptiles.

IN treating upon this subject, I shall princi¬
pally confine myself to the methods that may
be employed in catching and skinning rep¬
tiles.

The fangs with which they defend them¬
selves, or attack their victims, are, in venom¬
ous serpents, placed on the outside of the jaw,
and so fixed, that they rnay be erected or de¬
pressed at pleasure; they are mostly from
half an inch to three quarters long, with a

60

very small slit at the point, and generally a lit¬
tle crooked.

Serpents may be caught with a wire noose,
fixed to the end of a pole, by passing it over
their heads ; and, with a pair of forceps, a
bit of pointed wood may be introduced into
their mouths, to extend their jaws, in order to
examine them. They are easily killed, by a
slight blow on the head.

The best method of taking off the skin, is,
to make a long incision from the vent, above
and below, or even up to the head. The skin
may then be separated, by introducing the fin¬
gers betwixt it and the body ; or, if the scales
are minute, the reptile may be skinned in the
same manner that is commonly practised with
eels. The body must be cut off from the head,
and the brains, together with the eyes, and

G1

all the fleshy parts, must be taken out, with¬
out disturbing the fangs, jaws, or tongue. —
The skin may then be pulled down as far as
the tail, which should be cut off an inch or two
from the extremity. The body may be pre¬
served in spirits, in order to shew the move-
able ribs and flexibility of the spine.

The skin, thus freed from the body, must
be examined and cleared from flesh and fat,
and the head cleaned as well as possible. —
The preservative powder may be used where
any muscular ligaments or flesh remain, and
the soap may be applied to the skin, which
must then be hung up in the air. If, after a
day or two, any moisture sould appear, it must
be absorbed by a cloth, and more powder ap¬
plied, until every part is dry. In these ope¬
rations, the scales, &c. should be attended to,
and, if displaced, they should be pressed into

62

their exact position, before the skin is perfectly
dry.

Lizards, alligators, frogs, &c. may be treat¬
ed in the same manner. When the operation
is completed, the skin should be rolled up,
and packed securely in paper, and afterwards
sewed up in canvass.

The spine of a common sized serpent may
be easily broken with a sharp blow from a
stick; after which, I have witnessed them ve¬
ry vicious, boldly attacking and biting whate¬
ver was opposed to them.

I ONCE drew a rattle-snake to a hog, which
devoured it, notwithstanding its bite.

Very large serpents, such as are twenty or
thirty feet long, are formidable beyond any

63

ideas we can entertain. I have found it dif¬
ficult to disengage one, not even four feet in
length, that had coiled itself round my arm,
when suspended by a wire to a nail in my
door.

CHAPTER VI.

On Quadrupeds.

AS it is often impossible to convey home, the
quadrupeds a traveller may meet with in
visiting foreign lands, it becomes necessary to
take off and preserve their skins ; many of
which, especially those from newly discovered
countries, interest us extremely, either by
their beauty or their novelty.

There are few who have not seen a poul¬
terer take the skin from a rabbit, or a butcher
perform the same operation on a sheep or ox;
a lesson from either of those persons would be
of use to the traveller. In taking the skin

65

from large or small animals^ the same process
is required. The operation must commence
by making a slit of any length, along the bel¬
ly, so as to give the greatest facility in using
the lingers, or a knife, to separate the skin,
the muscles, &c. The legs of small animals
may be pressed inwards, and the skin stripped
over them, inside out, great care being taken
in passing the joints ; the feet and tail must
be preserved as much as possible, by cutting
out the flesh, and retaining the hoofs, nails, or
claws. The skin, now freed from the extremi¬
ties, and separated from the abdomen, may be
stripped over the back, as far as the neck. —
Particular attention will be required in strip¬
ping it from the neck to the ears and the nose,
from the latter of which it must be cut off at
the termination of the bone, carefully preserv¬
ing the extremity. The skin, if necessary,
may be cut under the Jaw, as it can afterwards

K

06

be sewed up. The head of the animal may
now be cut off, at the back of which a hole
must be made to extract the brains ; it being
desirable, in small animals, to disturb the
skull bones as liltle as possible. The ears may
be cut off close to the head, and afterwards
cleaned. The eyelids, lips, jaws^ and teeth,
must be preserved, that, when the skin is stuff¬
ed, it may appear like the animal when alive.

It is advisable to keep the carcass as whole as
possible during the operation, to prevent tlie
flowing of blood, &c. which would prove trou¬
blesome to the operator. Towels and saw¬
dust should be at hand, to be used as wanted.

The skin, now free, must be wiped clean,
the membranous and fleshy parts taken aw'ay,
and the extremities, (particularly the head),
kept as entire as possible, especially in small

67

animals. The skin being now perfectly clean¬
ed, may have the preservative soap and pow¬
der applied all over it; flax, or bits of rag, well
annointed with the soap, maybe placed in the
head, nostrils, and about the hoofs, claws, and
tail. It should then be laid out for a day or
two; and, on a second examination, where any
moisture appears, it must be absorbed by a
cloth, and more powder applied, until it is quite
dry. Bark in powder, and burnt alum, may
also be successfully applied as absorbents.

The skin may now be stuffed with cotton,
&c. and sewn up, to keep it in some degree in
its natural form : or it may be rolled up and
packed in canvass, and stowed away in a case
or barrel. The hides of large animals, as ox¬
en, seals, &c. &c. are often brought from
remote parts, with no other preparation than
salt.

08

When the preBervative powder is used, tlie
operator should be very careful not to leave
any of it about, lest a domestic animal should
get to it and eat it. I once lost a beautiful
monkey, which was poisoned by licking up a
portion that was incautiously left.

I WOULD advise the learner to practise on a
squirrel, rabbit, fox, &c. and then he will be
prepared for the practical difficulties he may
meet with in taking the skin from the feet,
head, and tail of other animals. The remain¬
ing parts of the operation are very easily per¬
formed.

CHAPTER VII.

On Plants, Sfc.

THERE is scarcely a more interesting science
than that of Botany ; and though the traveller
may not be a professed botanist, yet he may
be pleased with the endless variety of beauti¬
ful plants and flowers which every country pro¬
duces, or gratified with the opportunity of en¬
riching our gardens and fields by the introduc¬
tion of new varieties. How much has our
agricultural interest been benefited by the im¬
portation of varieties of grass, as lucern, clover,
&c. and what do we not owe to him who first
brought hither the potatoe? The Japan rose,
and many other exotics agree so well with this

70

climate, that they may almost be said to be na¬
turalized. The voyager, therefore, in distant
climes, should not disregard any vegetable pro¬
duction. The corn, pulse, and roots that are
used abroad in domestic economy, are highly
worthy of his attention, in a commercial point
of view. There are two public institutions in
this country for the reception of vegetable pro¬
ductions brought from abroad. The Board of
Agriculture, for grass, and whatever belongs to
the economy of animals or man: and the Hor¬
ticultural Society, for seeds or cuttings of fruit
trees, exotic plants, &c. where every attention
Avill be paid to their growth and culture.

Woods, bark, (dye woods), many are highly va¬
luable in commerce, and much in request.
Lichens, (moss), some produce fine and perma¬
nent dyes, as the orchella, and are very valu¬
able; others are medicinal, and continually
in request.

71

(iuins. — Their general use and value are well
known ; they always form an article of com¬
merce, and are used for an infinite number
of purposes.

Seeds of every sort, and any remarks relative
to the plant, will be interesting. They must
be gathered and kept dry.

Plants, leaves, or flowers, may be preserved
between the leaves of a book, forming a hor-
tus siccus: these are collected and preserved
with very little trouble, and may be consi¬
dered in two points of view : — First, as an
agreeable amusement; and next, as giving
that information which may become highly
beneficial to society.

CHAPTER VIII.

On Minerals.

IT may be necessary to say sometliing on mi¬
nerals, in the pursuit of which the greater part
of my life has been employed. A traveller who
is unacquainted with metals, should procure a
few in a rough state, and, by comparison, he
would soon know how to discriminate one from
the other, A small book which the author pub¬
lished, called Familiar Lessons on Mineralogy,
with colored plates, would greatly facilitate his
inquiries, 'and cannot be too strongly recom-

73

mended to those who are desirous to know any
thing of minerals.

Pieces of rocks, with the names of the pla¬
ces from whence they came, would be always
interesting, as we are unacquainted whether
many islands, head-lands, &c. are granite, lime¬
stone, or volcanic. Collections of rocks, with
particulars concerning them, are highly desir¬
able, in order to determine the relative con¬
nection of mountains, islands, &c.

The soil at the bottoms of streams or rivers,
if gravel, generally contains interesting sub¬
jects. In India, precious stones occur in such
soil: in Africa and South America, gold, pla-
tina, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and topazes,
belong to, and are always found in gravel beds,
or alluvial soil, as is tin in the island of Banca.
Silver, lead, copper, &c, occur in veins.

L

74

Wherever there are mines, (subterraneous
excavations), metals of some sort or other are
produced; and it surely is not burthensome to
the intellect to distinguish lead ore from copper,
or silver from lead, or gold from iron, or dia¬
monds from pebbles.

Permit me to advise the traveller to look
into the book of nature, which is always open,
and learn what he can. A little information
on this head may prove highly advantageous,

4

as the wealth of nations mostly depends on
the produce of their mines. It is earnestly
to be recommended, wherever he goes, to
bring from thence some specimens of the
rocks ; and if any other present themselves, he
should endeavour to possess himself of them,
which he might examine at leisure, with the
blow-pipe : the use of this instrument, and the
mode of managing it, are fully explained in a

75

small Treatise * intended to accompany the
Lessons on Mineralogy.

» The method of detecting whether gold is adulterated is
jiarticularly explained. The hook will be found useful to those
who visit Africa, South America, Cliili, &c.

FINIS.

H'. M'Duwall, Printer, Pemberton Pofo,
Geug/t-Sj^uate.

Recentbi pnhlished

HV MESSRS. LONGMAN AND CO. PATERNOSTER-llOW;

AND

JJY THE AUTHOR, MR. MAWE, 149, STRAND.

1. FAMILIAR LESSONS on MINERA¬
LOGY and GEOLOGY, with colored Plates,
price 7s. The Descriptions of Minerals and
Rocks are accompanied with References to the
various Plates, and illustrated in an easy and
agreeable manner, so that the Learner may
become immediately acquainted with the char¬
acters of the various Substances to which his
Attention is directed. Seventh Edition.

2. NEW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE
of MINERALS, with Diagrams of their sim¬
ple Forms. Fourth Edition, price 7s.

3. ELEMENTARY TREATISE on CON-
CHOLOGY, Third Edition, with Frontispiece
and Six colored Engravings. This Work in¬
cludes, under the Head of each Genus, the dis¬
tinctive Characters, and the Names of all the
known Species, with an Explanation of the best
Method of Cleaning Shells.

4. TRAVELS in the INTERIOR of BRA¬
ZIL ; with Notices on its Climate, Natural Pro¬
ductions, Agriculture, Commerce, Population,
Manners, and Customs : and a particular Ac¬
count of the Gold and Diamond Districts. In¬
cluding a Voyage to the Rio de la Plate. A new
Edition, illustrated with colored Plates, and a
map, 8vo. price 18s. hds.

*'-'■' •' ^7 *, ' * lB^fc^.1- ) '.it^rv

. .f*T’ •; » »

•W