On Labelling. 



It is extremely important to label 

 all specimens fully. 



The label bearing data as to the 

 host in which a parasite occurred, 

 its position in the host, the locality, 

 date, and any other observations made 

 at the time of collecting, is almost 

 as valuable as the specimen itself ; a 

 specimen without its label is practically 

 useless. These remarks, of course, 

 apply to free-living forms as well as to 

 parasites — notes as to the position in 

 which they were found should always 

 be given. The method of preservation 

 used should also be stated. In addition 

 to the labels giving such information, 

 it is well to number the specimens, and to 

 keep a note-book with full notes of each 

 specimen or set of specimens opposite 

 its number. 



In the case of parasites, the species 

 of the host (if known) should always 

 be given. If unknown, an accurate 

 description of it, and if possible a 

 drawing, will help greatly in the labour 

 of determination. In some cases (e.g. 

 small Fishes, Eeptiles, Mammals, &c.) 

 it would be well to preserve the 

 well as the parasite, 

 a corresponding label and 



host 



Figure 2. 

 The head (seoles) of a Tape- 

 worm, greatly enlarged, .show- 

 ing the hooks and two of the 

 suckers. From a was model 

 of Taenia solium. [Cestoda.] 



as 

 giving it 

 number.* 



Labels should be written clearly with a soft lead pencil on 

 unsized paper, and placed in the preserving fluid with the 

 specimens. Ordinary ink will not do for this purpose, as it 

 will wash out. Certain kinds of waterproof Indian ink, however, 

 are good, if allowed to dry thoroughly before Ijeing placed in the 

 liquid. In some cases an additional label in ink may be placed 

 outside the bottle. 



* Pishes, Amphibians, Reptiles, &c., are best preserved in spirit; in the 

 case of Birds and IMammals the skins must be preserved, and the skulls of 

 Mammals should be dried and labelled to correspond with the skins. (See 

 ■" Instructions for Collectors," Nos. 3, 2, 1.) 



