FOSSIL VERTEBRATES 87 



cuts, and in caves. Examination of the refuse rock from such 

 workings and of newly cut banks will often be rewarded. As a 

 rule fossils not found in place, whether they have been transported 

 by human or other agencies, are much less desirable than those 

 collected undisturbed in the original beds. 



Deeply eroded "badland" areas are particularly promising 

 collecting ground. The usual absence of soil or vegetation on 

 their sloping surfaces contributes to the ease of detecting any 

 protruding or broken pieces of fossil bone. 



Fossil bones can usually be distinguished from recent deposits 

 of remains of living animals by their heavier weight, darker 

 color, and the way they crack apart in weathering. A fossil bone 

 breaks at right angles to the length, a recent bone into lengthwise 

 splinters and flakes. These observations apply only to fossil bones 

 that are mineralized, not to those found in caves and deposits 

 of little age that may not have changed from their original 

 condition. 



Never dig hastily into a sorry-looking prospect, but always 

 work with care, for many an unpromising pile of surface fragments 

 has led to a good specimen. Carelessness may result in the 

 destruction of a fossil, or cause hours of unnecessary labor in 

 recovering pieces that have been needlessly broken. 



The collector should have a stout leather or canvas knapsack, 

 with separate compartments for wrapping materials and small 

 tools. In this bag carry stout string, wrapping and tissue paper, 

 labels, awls (fig. 45), brushes, a small trowel, or similar tool, 

 and a small quantity of gum arabic with a receptacle in which 

 to mix it. A small hammer and two or three light chisels are 



