10S collector's manual 



down to the fossil layer. This permits removal of large slabs 

 from the fossil-bearing laj T er and insures the possibility of getting 

 complete specimens. Do not nibble at the outcrop; this only 

 results in small, broken specimens. Split the slabs and lay the 

 fossils out of the way. Reduce specimens to convenient size but 

 do not attempt to clean them and do not attempt to trim them 

 too closely. If the slabs are hard and durable, wrap them as they 

 are, but soft clay and shale, in which fossil leaves often occur, 

 should be wrapped well as soon as they have dried somewhat. 

 Careful wrapping at the right time permits the specimens to 

 dry out gradually and thus prevents excessive checking. Do not 

 put shellac on any specimens. 



Fossil leaf imprints come in counterparts like fossil invertebrate 

 impressions. Be sure to save both counterparts but wrap each 

 separately and then bundle the two pieces together so that the}' 

 can be identified as one individual. 



It is well to lay out the collected slabs at some distance from 

 the quarry. Presently it will become apparent that the collection 

 can be separated roughly into species. Thus the collector will 

 see what is common and what should be looked for more care- 

 fully. The goal to be kept in mind is to obtain as complete a 

 collection, represented by good specimens, as can be got at the 

 locality. The fossil-bearing bed should be worked at several 

 places along the outcrop for greater variety. 



Besides the leaves mentioned above, fruits, seeds, and wood 

 may be found in the same stratum. These are very important, 

 and every slab should be examined with the lens for small seeds. 

 It will help future identification to draw a ring around small 

 specimens with a red pencil. Cross sections of fossil wood should 



