29 



a similar list in an indexed pocket memorandum book. Practically, 

 one remembers most of the numbers until they become quite numer- 

 ous. Also in the experiment file are kept prints of all negatives 

 taken of the species concerned, with numbers referring to their 

 position in the negative file. 



SYSTEMATIC PILE (5 BY 8 CARDS). 



Had the letter referred to some insect of which no special study 

 was being made, but of which we wished a record of the information 

 given, a note would have been made of it in the systematic file, on a 

 card or slip the same as used in the experiment file. These 5 by 8 

 cards or slips are all punched for duplex rods and are used for all 

 notes in the field or laboratory. The systematic file, as its name indi- 

 cates, is arranged alphabetical!} 7 , according to the systematic classifi- 

 cation of insects. Large buff guides show the orders; small blue 

 guides, the families; white guides, genera where notes or many spe- 

 cies occur, and sometimes a tab card is used to indicate the location 

 of notes on a species upon which many observations are made. Each 

 group is arranged alphabetically under the next larger systematic 

 group. A strictly systematic arrangement, as in a collection or check 

 list, is not feasible, as the notes must be entered by a clerk not familiar 

 with classification. Where a note is made upon an unknown spe- 

 cies, which is not given an experiment number, it is given an acces- 

 sion number, which is placed on the note slip attached to the breed- 

 ing cage. In case the species is still undetermined when the slip is 

 to be filed it is placed under the smallest group to which its classifi- 

 cation can be traced just after the guide card of that group. In this 

 file are also kept occasional notes or suggestions regarding insecticides, 

 machinery, etc., each under its own guide card. 



At the beginning of notes on each species of economic importance — 

 i. e. , found in the economic collection — is placed a double card 8 by 10 

 inches folded to be 5 by 8, bearing an outline map of Texas on the 

 inside, known as the distribution map. These maps can also be 

 used for any species of which we wish a graphic record of its distri- 

 bution, such selection of species being entirely arbitrary. For most 

 States a card 5 by 8 would hold a map of the State on the same scale. 

 Practically all specimens of a species not of economic importance are 

 to be found in the systematic collection, so that its distribution can 

 soon be ascertained by examining the locality labels on specimens. 

 As it is impossible to write out or have printed on the map the name 

 of each locality, the locality from which the insect is secured is indi- 

 cated as nearly as possible by placing a number at the proper point 

 in red ink. On the back of the card this number is recorded, and 

 after it are given the post-office, county, collector, date, and accession 

 number of the specimens. All specimens or new localities of any 



