[5] ABORIGINAL USES OF PLANTS COVILLE. 



when ready for sliipment should be packed between two sheets of stiff 

 pasteboard, tightly wrapped, and tied. 



In labeling specimens the directions given below should be followed. 



Maierials illustrating manufacture and use. — Next in importance to 

 the identification of the plant, in our observations, comes the question 

 of its manufacture. This should be illustrated by specimens of the 

 crude materials in all the different stages through which they pass, 

 together, when possible, with specimens of the completed product. In 

 the case, for example, of a iDlant whose roots are used for food, speci- 

 mens of the root should be obtained, preferably those dug by the 

 Indians themselves; other specimens of the root after cooking; still 

 others after the material is ground or otherwise prepared for its 

 ultimate use; and if the ground product is made into cakes or bread, 

 samples of these also. The methods of preparation are so varied in 

 the case of different seeds, fresh fruits, roots, textile products, etc., 

 that no single rule can be given except to secure specimens illustrating 

 every stage in the process of preparation. Paper envelopes or cloth 

 bags are convenient receptacles for these materials, labeled according 

 to the directions given below. On account of their liability to injury 

 from moisture, insects, or other causes, it is preferable to forward spec- 

 imens to their destination at once. But if this is impossible, they 

 should be kept in a dry place, and, if they become infested by insects, 

 should be subjected to the vapor of carbon bisulphide (a poisonous and 

 highly inflammable substance), naphthaline, or any of the commercial 

 products commonly employed to prevent the ravages of moths and 

 other insects. 



DESCRIPTION OF SPECIMENS, AND NOTES. 



Specimens forwarded to the Smithsonion Institution should be care- 

 fully labeled, as in the absence of proper data they are almost worthless. 

 Notes are always of interest, even when not illustrated by specimens, 

 but they become especially important when well-labeled specimens 

 accompany them. Descriptions of such articles are then capable ol 

 verification at any time in the future. 



Labeling of specimens. — Each specimen should be marked by a num- 

 ber, the numbers arranged chronologically in the order of collecting. 

 These numbers should be entered in a blank book, or on separate sheets 

 suitable for ultimate binding, and with each number the requisite data 

 should be written, whether the specimen is a plant collected for the 

 purpose of identification or is a derivative product. These sheets, pre- 

 ferably about 5| by 8^ inches in size, should accompany the specimens 

 to their destination, duplicates being retained by the sender if he 

 desires. A blank space should be left for the insertion of the technical 

 name, and below should be given the common and aboriginal names, 



