ON COLLECTING AND PBESERVING FOSSILS. 127 
features not otherwise preserved. When the rock is soft or 
pulverulent, traces of it retained in the crevices of the fossil are 
frequently of value. When the fossil consists of several separate 
parts (e.g. a vertebrate skeleton), a slab showing the parts in 
natural association is of much greater scientific value than would 
be the same fragments removed from the matrix. In short, it 
ought to be possible to verify from the fossil itself the collector's 
statement as to the deposit in which it was found, and the natural 
grouping of its several parts. 
Photographs or sketches of the fossil in situ are most desirable. 
In case of the specimen being embedded in a slab of matrix, the 
position of the slab (whether with its face downwards or upwards) 
should be indicated. 
5. Each specimen (or portion of specimen) ought to be wrapped 
up separately in paper, protected with cotton-wool,* or a small box 
when necessary, each packed with its own special label, and marked 
also on the outside, f It is advisable to carry a small bottle of red 
paint (or red sealing-wax dissolved in methylated spirit), and 
number each specimen or fragment to correspond with a record in 
a note-book, thus preserving a second memorandum in case the 
loose label is lost or displaced in unpacking. The red paint is 
also useful for making streaks and other distinctive marks across 
the cracks in fissured specimens before they are removed from the 
rock — a precaution of much service later in finally fixing together 
the pieces when separated. 
Hints on Collecting from Certain Formations. 
1. It must be remembered that in certain slaty rocks the planes 
of fracture are not the original bedding-planes, but surfaces induced 
by cleavage. The original bedding can frequently be detected by 
colour-streaks, and fossils must be looked for on planes parallel 
with the latter. 
* In case cotton-wool, or moss, cannot be procured, soft clay or earth may 
be used, to protect the face of the specimen. 
f It is useful to carry several canvas bags slung* on a strap, and preserve 
one for each horizon, whilst the actual collecting is in progress. The bag can 
be tied round with string, and labelled outside. 
