134 SUGGESTIONS AS TO COLLECTING 



features not otherwise preserved. When the rock is soft or 

 pulverulent, traces of it retained in the crevices of the fossil are 

 frequently of value. When the fossil consists of several separate 

 parts {e.g. a vertebrate skeleton), a slab showing the parts in 

 natural association is of much greater scientific value than would 

 be the same fragments removed from the matrix. In short, it 

 ought to be possible to verify from the fossil itself the collector's 

 statement as to the deposit in which it was found, and the natural 

 grouping of its several parts. 



Photographs or sketches of the fossil in situ are 'most desirable. 



In case of the specimen being embedded in a slab of matrix, the 

 position of the slab (whether with its face downwards or upwards) 

 should be indicated. 



5. Each specimen (or portion of specimen) ought to be wrapped 

 up separately in paper, protected with cotton-wool,* or a small box 

 when necessary, each packed witli its own special label, and marked 

 also on the outside. It is advisable to carry a small bottle of red 

 paint (or red sealing-wax dissolved in methylated spirit), and 

 number each specimen or fragment to correspond with a record in 

 a note-book, thus preserving a second memorandum in case the 

 loose label is lost or displaced in unpacking. The red paint is 

 also useful for makinoj streaks and other distinctive marks across 

 the cracks in fissured specimens before they are removed from the 

 rock — -a precaution of much service later in finally fixing together 

 the pieces when separated. 



6. It is useful to carry several canvas bags slung on a strap, 

 and preserve one for each horizon, while the actual collecting is in 

 progress. The bag can be tied round with string, and labelled out- 

 side. 



Hints on Collecting from Certain Formations. 



1. It must be remembered that in certain slaty rocks the planes 

 of fracture are not the original bedding-planes, but surfaces induced 

 by cleavage. The original bedding can frequently be detected by 



* In case cotton-wool, or moss, cannot be procuretl, soft clay or earth may 

 be used, to protect the face of the specimen. 



