In the morning I continued working with the video transects but after lunch I started something new. Using a stereo microscope I began examining some of our animal samples, placing then in vials and labeling them. It was another task that takes practice. The animals are so small and delicate. You must be careful not to destroy them with your forceps. The tray of specimen vials must be labeled, example; worms, sea stars, arthropods, etc. You carefully, using a plastic specimen tray with grid markings, sort through the sand or mud and remove the animals. It is slow tedious work. The day ended with my first outing away from the lab. Betsy took me out for a Maine lobster dinner. It was a picturesque outdoor restaurant on the Damariscotta River. She invited three other students from the center presently doing grad work. I enjoyed hearing about their studies. The lobster was delicious.
In the morning I continued working with the video transects but after lunch I started something new. Using a stereo microscope I began examining some of our animal samples, placing then in vials and labeling them. It was another task that takes practice. The animals are so small and delicate. You must be careful not to destroy them with your forceps. The tray of specimen vials must be labeled, example; worms, sea stars, arthropods, etc. You carefully, using a plastic specimen tray with grid markings, sort through the sand or mud and remove the animals. It is slow tedious work. The day ended with my first outing away from the lab. Betsy took me out for a Maine lobster dinner. It was a picturesque outdoor restaurant on the Damariscotta River. She invited three other students from the center presently doing grad work. I enjoyed hearing about their studies. The lobster was delicious.