■i COLLECTOR'S MANUAL 



and other pertinent data. Specific instructions for labels are 

 included under the various headings. The label should be written 

 when the specimen is prepared. Do not trust to memory at a 

 later date, as this will certainly lead to many errors. Specimens 

 incorrectly labeled,, or without data, lose much or all of their 

 scientific value. 



The matter of exact labeling may be difficult for service men 

 who in wartime may be under orders not to send out information 

 that will indicate to others the location of their units. This may 

 be avoided by placing numbers on the specimen labels that refer 

 to a catalog or memorandum where full data are set forth. The 

 catalogs should be sent in as soon as practicable after the speci- 

 mens have gone. Always keep a copy until you know that the 

 original has arrived, and always take great care of such catalogs 

 so that eventually, when the need for secrecy is past, the lists 

 may be united with the specimens. Details relating to the 

 preservation of these data will need to be worked out individually. 

 Remember always that the data accompanying a specimen are as 

 important as the specimen itself, if the latter is not to be 

 considered merely as a curio. 



The field label, when it can be prepared in full, is part of the 

 permanent record that in many cases remains constantly with 

 the specimen. Use as much care as practicable to write or print 

 legibly on as good grade paper as may be available. Carbon ink 

 is the most desirable but probably will not be at hand; next best 

 is a fairly soft black pencil. Do not write with ordinary ink or 

 indelible pencil, as such writing will run and become illegible if 

 wet or even moist. 



Packing. — Proper packing for safe transportation is as important 



