The apparatus described in this paper has been specially designed for the taking of samples in cases where it is important that the finer constituents of the sample should be adequately retained. In commencing a study of the micro-fauna and micro-flora of the sea-bottom near Plymouth the writer found that, in samples taken by the “Petersen” (2) 1/10 sq. metre bottom-sampler, or by the, conical dredge, the silt and finest material was liable to be washed away to a variable and non-measurable extent while hauling the apparatus. Quantitative observations on very small organisms were judged impossible by these methods and attention was directed towards devising an apparatus which would retain the finer portions of the deposits.