120 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 
The Daisy Family (Compositce), 
(See also Case 55.) 
Cases 504 and 505. — Note that though this is one of the larg- 
est of all families of flowering plants, embracing over 12,000 
species, yet their utilitarian character is very slight. Observe, 
however, the large number of bitter medicinal plants, among 
which Boneset, Elecampane, Chamomile, Dandelion, Tansy, Fe- 
verfew, Wormwood and Arnica are well known household medi- 
caments. Note yarns dyed yellow by tinctures of several plants 
of this family, and that Saffron for dyeing pink or rose color is 
yielded by the petals of Carthamnus tinctorius. 
PEAT, 
Case 506. — Peat, the dead and partly decomposed roots of 
grasses, sedges and often Sphagnum or Mosses, and its various 
utilizations. Note the fuel, charcoal, torches, oakum, twine, cloth, 
paper, etc., made from this substance. 
PETRIFACTIONS. 
Case 507. — Fossil woods and gums. Note the Onyxized 
Wood from the petrified forest of Arizona; the petrified Sugi 
from Japan and tray carved from the same; and the fossil oak 
found so frequently in excavations under Chicago. 
THE STUDY COLLECTIONS. 
A full series of duplicates of the specimens displayed in each 
case is preserved in the lockers beneath it. While these collec- 
tions are secluded, they are at all times at the service of any 
visitor who desires to examine more intimately any object of 
special interest. A member of the Department staff will be 
detailed to open any locker desired, and give such further infor- 
mation as may be possible concerning the specimens, on appli- 
cation to the Curator at his office in the northeast corner of the 
North Gallery. 
