78 COLLECTOR'S MANUAL 



cut saw, and steel wedges. A set of steel dies numbered 1 to 0, 

 at least f of an inch high, is the best means of marking specimens. 



Trees selected for felling should be sound, without visible 

 defects, and in fairly adult stage of growth. Make a horizontal 

 saw cut at the side on which the tree is to fall, as near the ground 

 as possible, continuing the cut to about one-fourth of the diameter 

 of the trunk. With the ax make a notch above to meet this saw 

 cut, the angle of the notch being about 45 degrees. Next make a 

 saw cut on the opposite side of the tree on the same level as the 

 first one. As soon as this is deep enough, insert wedges behind 

 the saw and drive them progressively until the tree falls. 



When saws are not available, trees may be felled and trunk 

 sections cut with axes alone or with native cutting tools. Hard 

 wood wedges may replace the steel ones. If a tree may not be 

 felled, sections from a large limb may be taken. 



After the tree has been felled, a trunk section must be cut from 

 the butt. The length of this section may have to depend some- 

 what on transportation facilities, but in no case should it be less 

 than 1 foot. With the metal dies, stamp on both ends the number 

 assigned to the herbarium material from this tree, or if this means 

 is lacking, mark otherwise in as permanent a manner as possible. 

 Enter in a catalog opposite the number given the specimen the 

 locality, date, name of collector, and altitude above sea level 

 as for ordinary plant specimens. In addition record the type of 

 forest association, as "hemlock-hardwood," "rain forest," etc.; 

 soil t)TDe, as "sandy," "clay," "sandy-loam," "clay-loam," etc.; 

 the diameter of the trunk breast-high, 4^ feet above ground 



