THE AMERICAN NATURALIST [Vol. XLI 



rial obtained by the museum during any particular period is at all 

 times readily ascertained. 



Description of material. — The general nature of the consign- 

 ment should be indicated, (e. g. archeological material, mammal 

 skeletons, fishes) as well as the manner in which it is packed (num- 

 ber of packages, boxes, etc.). In this connection a record should 

 also be kept as to whether the accession is received as a ' purchase,' 

 'exchange,' 'gift,' 'in trust,' or through 'museum collectors.' 

 This can be readily accompUshed by having the above words 

 written on the card and placing a cross in the proper space at the 

 time of cataloguing. When procured by purchase, the price 

 should also be indicated. 



From whom received. — The name and permanent address of 

 the person sending the specimens, is to be noted here. 



Transportation number. — It is often convenient to have a rec- 

 ord of the number or numbers placed upon the consignment by 

 the transportation companies, particularly in the event of break- 

 age or loss of any of the contents of a package or box. 



Name of collector. — Many collections are deficient in labels 

 bearing accurate information, consequently it is advisable to ascer- 

 tain the names of individuals concerned in collecting the speci- 

 mens, so that if desirable, further data may be obtained. The 

 address of the collector is to be noted, provided it differs from that 

 of the locality where the collection was made. 



General locality. — When the collection is a small one from a 

 restricted locality, this can be readily indicated. If, however, 

 a large amount of material is represented, the principal region or 

 regions should be given. 



Date when collected. — It is necessary to indicate merely the 

 approximate time. 



Correspondence. — In order to readily refer to correspondence, 

 invoices, bills, and other memoranda relating to the accession, it 

 is well to indicate the initial name or number, together with the 

 year, under which they are filed.^ 



Remarks. — Under this heading can be noted the condition of 



» Madeley :04 presents an elaborate arrangement for the classification of 

 oflSce papers in Musevnns based upon a provisional decimal system. It seems 

 unfortunate thut the standard decimal system (Dewey) was not utilized. 



