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simpler, and occupy less time than that already com- 
pleted. The work of cataloguing has necessitated much 
rearrangement, both as to sequence and correlation, and 
improvement of appearance. 
e plan has called for the consecutive numbering of all 
articles, the numbers being affixed to the specimens or 
their containers and to their labels, and being entered in 
the catalogue. This method will effectually prevent 
future misplacements and errors of identity. Additional 
specimens hereafter acquired will be given the appropriate 
integral number, followed by a decimal. Many specimens, 
acquired since the work was begun, have already been 
numbered in this way. 
The classification of the collections heretofore prevailing 
has been maintained, the primary division being economic, 
into fibers, resins, rubbers, condiments, foods, drugs, etc. 
The articles in each of these classes, wherever appropriate, 
have been subdivided according to the parts of the plant 
represented, such as roots, leaves, fruits, and seeds. In 
each of these subdivisions, the articles have been arranged 
in the botanical sequence of their families and, in the case 
of large families, of their genera. This arrangement, while 
affording an economic basis that appeals naturally to the 
ideas and convenience of visitors and students interested 
in this feature of the exhibits, at the same time preserves 
scientific relations and affords convenient reference for the 
taxonomist. 
In preparing the reading matter of the guide book 
accompanying the respective numbers, I have given the 
principal common or popular names, followed by the 
definitions, comprising the botanical name, including its 
author or authors, and a statement of the part of the plant 
represented. In many cases also the definition contains a 
brief statement of the state or conditions of the plant part, 
as when the latter has undergone artificial treatment in 
preparation. Then follows the family names, scientific 
and popular, unless there is a family heading for a group 
