28 



100 to 199, another 200 to 299, etc. When these are filed another 

 series is taken. Furthermore, it is not necessary to encumber the 

 work table with a bulky volume or to refer to it for the next number, 

 as the first blank card is already numbered. For the accession cata- 

 logue we are now also using a book, the only one in use. This is a 

 large volume with the pages 12 by 18 inches, having columns headed 

 as follows from left to right across two jDages: "Accession number," 

 "Experiment number." •"Species." "Locality," "Date." •■'Collector," 

 "Remarks." This book was in use upon my coming to the office and 

 will form a duplicate and complete record of all accessions. It will 

 be noticed that it does not provide for all the data on the cards. By 

 having this book cards can be sent with specimens to specialists for 

 determination, and if not returned the record is intact, and cards 

 written up by an assistant may be kept by him at his desk and yet 

 have the whole record complete. The book record may be easily 

 coi3ied from the cards by the office clerk every week or so in a few 

 minutes. It is quite possible, however, that we will discontinue this 

 book record entirely after further trials, as it is not necessary. In 

 the lower right corner of tin- correspondence card is a space — "'Exp. 

 Xo." — for number of exx>eriment of this species. This refers to the 

 number under which notes upon this species may be found in 

 "Experiment file." The word " experiment" is possibly a misnomer 

 in this connection, having reference more to studies of the life and 

 habits than to experiments with remedies in most instances. But in 

 want of a better term, and as this is used with this significance by 

 many, it serves the purpose as well as any. 



EXPEEBIEXT RECORD (5 BY 8 CARDS). 



Were it desirable to enter upon a study of the sweet-potato weevil, 

 or had we already done so. it would have an experiment number, 

 in this case 17. In the experiment file notes on various species 

 are arranged on cards or slips under guide cards bearing the number 

 of each. ■ The guide card bearing the number contains blanks for 

 recording a brief account of the notes upon the species when the 

 study has been completed or when it is desirable to make a resume. 

 On it are to be found all the accession numbers of that species. 

 At such a time the notes for a given period are transferred to the 

 systematic file and the guide card left with the last date of notes 

 transferred upon it. and a new guide card started for subsequent 

 notes. Additional subguides are often used to separate notes being- 

 taken at different points or on different phases of the study, such 

 as insectary. field notes, insecticides, etc. All notes upon any spe- 

 cies having an experiment number are filed under that number. A 

 card index on o by 5 cards arranged alphabetically euables us to 

 secure the experiment number of a given species at a glance, as does 



