331 



THE RECORDING OF LOCALITIES. 



ALFRED HARKER, M.A.. F.R.S. 



In the September number of 'The Naturalist' (p. 260) Mr. 

 Cosmo Johns, after urging the necessity of accurate topographic 

 records of scientific observations, propounds for this purpose 

 a plan which doubtless has its merits. The following is an 

 alternative method, which experience shows to be well adapted 

 to geological work in particular. 



To ensure accuracy, all records should be made on the spot, 

 and the map must therefore be carried in the field. The usual 

 method of map-mounting is not convenient for outdoor work, 

 and it is better to use loose slips. These are carried in a small 

 leather-covered portfolio, slung by a strap over the shoulder, 

 the slips being held in place by elastic bands. The standard 

 six-inch Ordnance maps are published in sheets measuring 

 36 by 24 inches, exclusive of margin, with separate numbering 

 for each county.'"^ Cut off the margin of the sheet, and cut it 

 into four quarters, 18 by 12 inches, to be distinguished as 

 N.VV., N.E., S.W., and S.E. Cut each quarter again along 

 a vertical line into two slips, measuring 9 by 12 inches. These 

 are to be distinguished as — ~, etc., and so marked on the 



back. Now fold each slip along a horizontal line. By cutting 

 and folding the whole sheet is thus divided into sixteen quarter- 

 quarter sheets, each 9 by 6 inches. They may be distinguished 

 as 'J^, etc. ; and a special advantage is that they cor- 



respond with the separate sheets of the ' twenty-five-inch ' map. 

 The folded slips fit into a portfolio measuring a trifle more than 

 9 by 6 inches, and may be sorted to place the slip in use on the 

 top of the pack. 



The index-letters applied to the sixteen divisions of the sheet 

 may now be used for purposes of reference. They are, of 

 course, to supplement, not to replace, the ordinary description 

 of the locality, and so serve for finding the place rather than 

 for fixing it. The actual entry in a record of observations or 

 catalogue of specimens would thus be in some such form as the 

 following : — 



Quarry 620 yards E of church, Burn sail : York- 

 shire, 134 Ifv: 



* For certain parts of the country there is an issue in quarter-sheets, 

 18 by 12 inches, and it is apparently to these that Mr. Johns refers. 

 1905 November i. 



