INTRODUCTION. 



In the present pamphlet (prepared under the direction of Pro- 

 fessor Baird with the co-operation of several naturalists) will be 

 found brief directions for collecting and preserving objects of 

 Natural History, drawn up for the use of travellers and others 

 who may desire elementary instruction on this subject. The gene- 

 ral principles involved are so simple as to enable any one, with 

 but little practice, to preserve specimens sufficiently well for the 

 ordinary purposes of science. 



In transmitting specimens to the Smithsonian Institution, re- 

 course may be had, when practicable, to the facilities kindly 

 authorized by the War, Navy, and Treasury Departments, in the 

 annexed letters. Parcels collected in the vicinity of military posts 

 in the interior, may usually be sent down to the coast or the fron- 

 tier in returning trains of the Quartermaster's Department. "While 

 waiting for opportunities of shipment, packages can generally be 

 deposited in custom-houses, or public stores. 



Where it is not convenient or practicable to make use of 

 government facilities, the ordinary lines of transportation may be 

 employed. When there is time enough to communicate with the 

 Institution, instructions will be supplied as to the most eligible 

 route; if not, then the cheapest but most reliable channel should be 

 selected. In every case the parcels should be addressed to "the 

 Smithsonian Institution, Washington," with the name of sender 

 and locality marked on the outside. Pull directions for packing 

 specimens will be found in the pamphlet. 



Collections in Natural History, as complete as possible, including 

 the commonest species, are requested from any part of the country ; 

 as also lists and descriptions of species, notes of habits, &c. 



For all assistance which may be rendered either in gathering 

 specimens, or in aiding in their transportation, full credit will be 

 given by the Institution in the annual reports to Congress, cata- 

 logues and labels of collections, and in other ways. 



Joseph Henry, 

 Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 



