Labels 225 



is used with each label. Hooks are turned in the ends of 

 the wires before the labels are taken to the field. A pail 

 of pure white lead, well thinned with oil, is taken to the 

 field with the labels. The record is made with a very 

 soft pencil, the label is dipped into the paint, the wire is 

 placed about a conspicuous limb, and the hooks are joined 

 with a pair of pliers. The paint at first almost completely 

 obscures the writing, but some of it drips off and the re- 

 mainder dries in, so that the record becomes bright, and 

 the soft pencil marks are indelibly preserved, while the 

 label remains white. If the paint is brushed on, the soft 

 writing will be blurred. If in the future the wood becomes 

 gray, the label may be brightened by immersing it in a pot 

 of white lead, without removing it from the tree. The 

 large loop of wire allows of the growth of the branch, and 

 the label hangs so low that it can be seen at a glance. The 

 heavy stiff wire insures the safety of the label against boys 

 and workmen. It cannot be removed without a pair of 

 pincers. The label is large enough to allow of a complete 

 record of the name of the variety, the place of purchase, 

 age, and other matters; and it is readily foimd. 



The various labels shown in Fig. 67, are as follows: Nos. 1 

 and 2, German labels, made of glazed earthenware, with the name 

 colored blue and sunken. Strong copper wire, coiled, to allow of the 

 growth of the limb, holds the label to the tree. No. 3, Cornell label, 

 described above. No. 4, double wooden label, consisting of two com- 

 mon wooden labels fastened together. The name is written on the 

 double label, as in any other label, but it is also written on the inside 

 to insure permanence. When the outside writing is worn off, the 

 label is opened and the inside is stiU bright. The label is secured 

 to the tree by a tack or small naU, as shown in the cut at the right. 

 The label is seen opened in the picture at the left. Nos. 5 and 6, zinc 

 labels, used at the New York State Experiment Station, Geneva. 

 The wire is driven into the tree, and the name is written or 

 printed on the zinc with black paint. No. 7, common hand-made 

 O 



