INTRODUCTION. 
The following directions have been prepared with the view of fur- 
nishing, in the least possible space, such hints as may enable travellers 
and others to secure and preserve the different objects of Natural His- 
tory with which they may meet. Many persons only require a little 
knowledge of taxidermy to induce them to commence making collec- 
tions of new or rare species. Officers of the Army and Navy, Clerks 
of Trading Posts, Indian Agents, Land Surveyors, Missionaries, &c. 
very often have it in their power to procure specimens of the highest 
interest. 
As very much depends upon facilities of transportation, application 
has been made by the Smithsonian Institution to the Secretary of 
War, for permission to call upon the Quartermaster Department for 
assistance. This has been readily granted, as will be seen by the 
annexed letter. 
The Navy Department has also expressed its willingness to aid the 
Institution in the transportation of specimens in reasonable amount. 
Collectors of Customs, and Naval Storekeepers on the coast, will gene- 
rally receive cases, and keep them until a convenient opportunity 
occurs for sending to Washington, or some convenient Atlantic port, 
in vessels of war, storeships, revenue cutters, &c. The vessels and 
trains of the Quartermaster Department returning empty from the 
interior, or the coast, can generally transport a moderate cpiantity of 
matter without inconvenience or expense. 
For all assistance which may be rendered either in gathering spe- 
cimens, or in aiding in their transportation, full credit will be given 
by the Institution in the annual reports to congress, catalogues and 
labels of collections, and in other ways. 
Spencer P. Baird, 
Asst. Sec. S. I. in charge of Museum. 
