
38 SUGGESTIONS AND DIRECTIONS FOR FIELD-WORK. 
speak of the healthfulness of a pursuit that, like the collector’s 
occupation, demands regular bodily exercise, and at the same 
time stimulates the mind by supplying an object, thus calling 
the whole system into exhilarating action. Yet collecting has 
its perils, not to be overlooked if we would adequately guard 
against them— as fortunately we may, in most cases, by sim- 
ple precautions. The dangers of taxidermy itself are else-_ 
where noticed ; besides these, the collector is exposed to vicis- 
situdes of the weather, may endure great fatigue, may breathe 
miasm, and may be mechanically injured. AccipENnts from 
the gun have been already treated; a few special rules will 
render others little liable to occur. The secret of safe climbing 
is never to relax one hold until another is secured; it is in 
spirit equally applicable to scrambling over rocks, a particu-- 
larly difficult thing to do safely with a loaded gun. ‘Test rot- 
ten, slippery or otherwise suspicious holds before trusting — 
them. In lifting the body up anywhere keep the mouth shut, 
breathe through the nostrils, and go slowly. In swimming, 
waste no strength unnecessarily in trying to stem a current; 
yield partly, and land obliquely lower down; if exhausted, 
float—the slightest motion of the hands will ordinarily keep 
the face above water; and in any event keep your wits col- 
lected. In fording deeply a heavy stone will strengthen your 
position. Never sail a boat experimentally; if you are no 
sailor take one with you or stay on land. In crossing a high, 
‘narrow footpath never look lower than your feet; the muscles 
will work true, if not confused with faltering instructions from 
a giddy brain. On soft ground, see what, if anything, has 
preceded you; large hoof marks generally mean that the way 
is safe; if none are found, inquire for yourself before going 
on. Quicksand is the most treacherous, because far more dan- 
gerous than it looks; but I have seen a mule’s ears finally 
disappear in genuine mud. Cattle paths, however erratic, com- 
monly prove the surest way out of a difficult place, whether of 
uncertain footing or dense undergrowth. M1rasm: Unguarded 
exposure in malarious regions usually entails sickness, often 
preventable, however, by due precautions. Itis worth knowing 


