To save time in s-OFting out miscellaneous lots of stomachs. Biological 

 Survey collectors use letters on stomach tags to designate the various verte- 

 brate groups. The letter "M" for instance prefixes the numbers on all tags at- 

 tached to mammal stomachs. Similarly, the letter "B" is used to indicate the 

 bird series, and the letter "H" designates amphibian and reptile material. In 

 this system separate series of numbers are used for each group, and the data are 

 recorded in separate catalogues. 



Although the recording of essential data on schedules or in catalogues is 

 the accepted procedure, in that data recorded in this manner are more accessible 

 for reference, the system of noting all data on tags attached directly to stomachs 

 can be employed v/hen necessary (fig. 2). This method is practicable, however, only 

 where small lots of material are concerned. 



M aterials Needed 



In recording numbers and the collector's initials on stomach tags, a good 

 carbon ink and a good grade of tag should be used. Ordinary inks will fade in 

 preservative solutions. A medium-soft lead pencil is acceptable, but its use 

 should not be considered standard procedure. One surface of the tag may at times 

 become badly soiled, defaced, or bleached, resulting in illegibility of number or 

 initials. As a precaution against loss of data in this manner, the number and 

 initials may be written on one side of the tag in carbon ink and on the other in 

 lead pencil. Labels marked with carbon ink should be permitted to dry thoroughly 

 before being placed in solutions. Tags should be made of a stiff water-resisting 

 paper. Papers having starchy fillers are not suitable, as the surface washes off 

 in water in a very short time. Holes should be punched near one end and threaded 

 with twine suitable for tying tag to stomach. 



Preservatives 



The most reliable and economical preservative for stomachs is a formaldehyde 

 solution. Alcohol (70 percent) may be used for the stomachs of small passerine 

 birds, but it is not recommended for the larger species. Medium-sized stomachs can 

 be placed in about a 4 percent formaldehyde solution made by diluting the commer- 

 cial formaldehyde with 24 parts of water. For the larger stomachs the conimercial 

 grade should be diluted with 12 to 15 parts of water, as a stronger preservative 

 is necessary. .Large stomachs should be injected with preservative previous to 

 being placed in the formaldehyde solution, or small slits may be made in the stom- 

 ach wall to insure immediate penetration of the preservative. This may necessi- 

 tate wrapping the stomach in cheesecloth to prevent leakage of stomach contents. 



Stomachs should remain in the preservative for at least 5 days. After that 

 period of fixation they may be shipped safely without spoiling, or they may be 

 left in the preserving solution for indefinite storage. 



In removing material from formaldehyde solution it is advisable to use long 

 forceps or rubber gloves to protect the hands, as formaldehyde gas is irritating 

 and tends to dry and shrivel the skin on comparatively short exposure. The pre- 

 servative is a poison and should be treated as such. 



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