COLLECTING ECONOMIC PLANT DATA I 



An experienced collector will doubtless have his own preferences of 

 cameras for field work. Obviously, though, a light compact camera is 

 desirable if much distance is to be covered on foot. The writer has had 

 best results when using cameras of the Rolleiflex type in combination 

 with an exposure meter. 



A major problem in low tropical countries is to keep clothing and 

 equipment from mildewing. During the rainy season, shoes and books 

 often develop a luxuriant crop of mold, even overnight. Anyone doing 

 photographic work for a considerable time in the Tropics will come to 

 look upon silica gel as indispensable for protecting film, negatives, or 

 even the camera itself from deterioration. The camera lens can become 

 permanently clouded by the action of molds that grow on the surface of 

 the glass. This can be prevented by keeping the camera as dry as possible 

 in the field and by storing it in a tight can with a quantity of silica gel 

 when not in use. This is another reason for using a small camera. 



If film cannot be supplied in tropical packing, in individual metal 

 containers, perhaps some other type of moisture-proof covering can be 

 found; failing that, it may be kept in a can of silica gel. 



Experienced people agree that film deteriorates under hot, humid 

 conditions, but there seems to be no agreement as to the rapidity of 

 the deterioration. A safe rule is to expose the film as quickly as possible 

 after it is opened, within 4 days at the maximum but preferably during 

 the first day. If the loaded camera can be left in a silica-gel container, so 

 much the better. When exposed film cannot be protected with silica gel 

 or developed locally, it should be wrapped in waxed paper and shipped 

 at once to a dry climate. 



HOW TO ADDRESS SHIPMENTS FOR ENTRY INTO 

 THE UNITED STATES 



Any living-plant material coming into the United States is subiected 

 to a strict examination and for this reason must be addressed as follows : 



Plant Inspection House, 



Division of Plant Exploration and Introduction, 



United States Department of Agriculture, 



Washington 25, D. C. 



EE. YY. LIVE PLANTS 



Shipments not so directed are liable to interception at the port of entry 

 and to delay for compliance with the plant-quarantine import regula- 

 tions enforced by inspectors of the Bureau of Entomology and Plant 

 Quarantine. 



Other types of material, such as dry pressed specimens, analysis 

 samples, and dead insects, might be sent also to the Inspection House 

 to receive a routine fumigation. The package could be marked: "Natural- 

 History Specimens," "Dried Plants," "No Commercial Value," or with 

 some other suitable legend. The name of the collector, or shipper, must 

 appear on, or at least inside, the package to prevent confusion with 

 other shipments. 



Living material cannot be delivered directly to private individuals 

 without the formality of securing previously an import permit and a 

 special shipping tag. 



Shipments through the Plant Inspection House will be greatly ex- 

 pedited if a letter is sent by air mail giving instructions for disposal of 

 the material after inspection and fumigation. The letter should describe 



