[25] DIRECTIONS FOR COLLECTING EIRDS RIDGWAY. 



Large birds with very long necks or legs ^should also have these mem- 

 bers folded or doubled over to economize space in i>ackiug. 



If the tail has peculiar markings which can not be satisfactorily seen 

 unless it is spread, they can be easily displayed by the following very 

 simple process: The base of the tail having been properly cleaned by 

 cutting out the wedge-shaped piece which projects into the middle por- 

 tion, removing tlie oil-gland, etc. (as described on page 17), pass a needle 

 and thread from one side of the base to the other across the interven- 

 ing angle, and then tie the thread after it has been drawn sufficiently 

 tight — the tighter it is drawn, of course, the more the feathers will be 

 spread apart at the end. 



The primaries can be spread for a similar purpose by passing a suffi- 

 ciently small sharpened wire through their stems, near the base, and 

 separating the individual quills to the desired distance from one 

 another. 



Birds with crests should have the head turned so that while the bird 

 lies upon its back one side of the head lies upward, the feathers of the 

 crest being erected and kept in that position until the skin is dry. 



Determining the sex of specimens. — The sex of a specimen should never 

 be guessed from the character of the plumage, as is unfortunately very 

 often done, but always by dissection. Sometimes the generative organs 

 have been so injured by shot that this is impossible. Should this be 

 the case, the sex mark* should be wholly ignored or else queried, as cir- 

 cumstances most justify. If the organs have not been injured, the sex 

 of the specimen may be ascertained after skinning by making an in- 

 cision in the side near the vertebrae and exposing the inside surface of 

 the " small of the back." The generative organs will be found tightly 

 bound to this region (nearly opposite to the last ribs) and separating 

 it from the intestines. The testicles of the male will be observed as two 

 spheroidal or ellipsoidal whitish bodies, varying with the season -and 

 species from the size of a pin's head to that of a hazelnut. The ova- 

 ries of the female, consisting of a flattened mass of spheres, variable in 

 size with the season, will be found in the same region. 



A good magnifying glass is of great assistance in determining the 

 sex of small birds, particularly the young, in which the organs are but 

 slightly developed. 



Labeling specimens. — The labeling of a specimen is a very impor- 

 tant matter; in fact the label is part of the specimen, whose value is in 

 direct ratio to the conciseness of the data inscribed on its label. 



While tags have been recommended for temporary use, a permanent 

 label, attached to the specimen as soon as it is prepared, is far better, 

 and should, if practicable, be used in jireference. Tie your labels on 

 securely., and do not tie with a string longer than is necessary. Essential 

 data are precise locality., date, sex., and name of the collector, but other items 

 of information may be added if the collector sees fit. 



*Tbe signs used to denote the sex are ^ for male, $ tor female. 



