80 



THE AMERICAN NATURALIST 



[Vol. XLI 



representing systematic divisions, geographical distribution, type 

 specimens, etc., is at once manifest. Furthermore no space is 

 given for noting the authority for identification, date collected, 

 etc., name of collector, etc., for all of which data provision should 

 be made. 



The "Curators Catalogue" may be criticized on this same 

 basis. Moreover in a catalogue, the chief purpose of which is 

 that of a reference or finding catalogue, there seems every reason 

 for arranging the cards in alphabetical order in preference to 

 classifying on a systematic basis. Hoyle, himself, in noting some 

 objections to the decimal system proposed by Petrie in Nature, 

 mentions the fact that "no speciaUst is ever satisfied with any other 

 specialist's work." Furthermore unless arranged according to 

 the alphabet as suggested under the Reference Catalogue, it would 

 be of no value to the public. The cards adopted should naturally 

 be of a standard size since odd sizes cannot be perfectly cut by 

 reason of the expensive machinery used. Ordinary 'guide cards' 

 would be much better than the 'genus' and 'family cards.' 



Dorsey, '99, reviewed the method of cataloguing used in the 

 Field Columbian Museum of Chicago. As suggested in a preced- 

 ing footnote, this appears to be more or less of an heterogeneous 

 arrangement of cards, books, and manilla envelopes, which could 

 be much simplified. 



Walton, :04, pubhshed a brief outline of the prese^it paper noting 

 the division into (a) The Accession Cataloune, il)) The I)e|)art- 

 ment Catalogue, and (c) The Reference Catal()<;ue, as well as 

 suggesting the general scope and methods of filino- the canls 

 employed in each. 



Wray, :()o, called attention to the adoption of the card system 

 in the Perak ^luseum of the Federated Malay States, a result 



procured,' 'How obtained,' ' Presi^tted by,' ' P)e(|neathe(l by,' 

 'Purchased from,' and 'Collected by.' Dnplicate cards were 

 made out, one set being filed numerically as a 'Register,' the 

 other according to the arrangement of the specimens in the museum 



e when 

 Where 



