12 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY MANUAL 3 



dogwood belongs in the genus Cornus, which is described and 

 pictured beginning on page 212 in the manual. Turning to page 

 213, we find a similar but short key, which enables us to "run 

 down" the shrub to its species without having to read all the 

 species descriptions. 



These two examples have been fairly simple. At least they 

 have "run down" in the early part of the key. But almost any of 

 the wild shrubs of the state can be named in the same way, even 

 though the names appear near the end of the key. Although the 

 key looks complicated, the process of naming is simple, because 

 as a rule only a relatively small number of the many items 

 listed in the key have to be considered in the naming of any 

 given shrub. In making choices at the beginning of the key, we 

 may eliminate from consideration large sections of the key that 

 do not apply, just as in giving directions to our stranger we 

 eliminated quickly the first few blocks and all of the frame 

 houses. 



Verification of Identifications. — The user of this manual 

 should be able, by using the key and the descriptions in this 

 volume, to identify most of the native shrubs with which he 

 comes in contact. But from time to time even persons well 

 practiced in identification are certain to encounter specimens 

 too difficult to name with certainty. In such cases the assistance 

 of a professional botanist may be sought. 



The Section of Applied Botany of the Illinois Natural History 

 Survey is always ready to assist in the identification of shrubs, 

 and of other plants of all kinds. Samples may be sent in fresh 

 condition or as prepared botanical specimens, and verification 

 of the collector's determinations or accurate determinations of 

 the specimens will be given in return. Fresh specimens may be 

 sent by mail if they are wrapped in waxed paper so as not to 

 wither badly before arrival. Dried specimens, carefully packed, 

 may be sent by parcel post or express. Persons who ask this 

 service should remember, of course, that the botanist to whom 

 they write sees only the sample that is sent to him. The samples 

 should be typical and whenever possible they should contain 

 stem, leaves, and flowers or fruit. For the accurate determina- 

 tion of certain kinds of shrubs, both flowers and fruit are nec- 

 essary. Care in selecting samples not only makes the botanist's 

 work easier but also helps him render good service. 



Local Shrub Collections. — ^As has been intimated on an- 



