DEEP-SEA EXPLORATION. 
411 
LABELS. 
Tlie imi)ortance of ])i'operly labeling specimens has already been referred t(j and 
must be apparent to all collectors. The ship’s name, date, and serial number of the 
station is usuallj^ considered suflicient, further information being recorded under the 
corresponding number in the naturalist’s journal. 
If labels with properly printed headings are not at hand it is better to write them 
with a soft lead pencil on unglazed pai)er rather than useoidinary ink, which is liable 
to fade in alcohol. A small metal label, on which the serial number is stamped, is 
used on board the Albatross for labeling dee[)-sea lish and other forms. There is a 
hole in one end through which the seizing is passed Avith Avhich to attach it to the 
specimen. The serial number is usually sufficient identilication, yet the addition of an 
initial letter, or other arbitrary symbol for each vessel, would enable one to place the 
siiecimen on sight without the necessity of referring to the records. 
BRIEF DIRECTIONS AS TO COLLECTING BIRDS. 
Chins . — The best gun for general collecting is a 12-gauge double-barreled shotgun, 
with 2S inch barrels. Each gun should be furnished Avith an auxiliary barrel, .32 
caliber, for collecting small specimens. A .22-caliber breech -loading pistol, Avith 
18-inch barrel, is much used on board the Albatross. A .32-caliber rille will be found 
useful in collecting the larger birds. 
Ammunition . — Only the best powder should be used, black ]>owder for the 12-gauge, 
American wood powder, D grade, for .32 caliber, and E for .22 caliber. Shot for the 
12-gauge gun. Nos. 4 and 3; for the auxiliary barrel and pistol. Nos. 12 and 8. 
For shiiininij birds a pocket knife, or scalpel, a pair of sharp-pointed scissors, a pair 
of bone-cutters, and spring forceps are all the tools necessary. A needle and thread 
will be required if the skins are to be stuffed. Haw cotton is best for tilling the skin. 
Arsenic is the best preservative, and the skin should be covered with it Ijefore stuffing 
or packing. 
A game bag or fishing creel will be found convenient for carrying birds while 
collecting. The specimen when shot should be picketl ui) by the feet, to prevent the 
blood from soiling the plumage; remove blood clots from the bill and shot-holes, 
sprinkle moist feathers Avith corn-meal, sand, or other absorbent, push a plug of cotton 
Avell down its throat, and place it, head down, in a cornucopia of thick brown paper, 
which may then be placed in the creel. These precautions are taken for the iiurpose 
of securing the specimen Avith its plumage iu the liest iiossible condition, free from 
blood or other liquids. To kill a wounded bird squeeze it under the wings Avith 
thumb and linger until it dies from suffocation. If the bird is of large size, hold it 
(irmly by the feet, or betAceeii the knees, and idunge a knife into its breast, reaching 
the heart if possible, then hold it by the feet until the blood has drained from its 
mouth, Avhen it may be prepared for transportation ])ractically as above described 
for small birds. Specimens should be skinned as soon as jmssible, though iu cold 
Aveather or Avhen ice is plentiful it may be delayed a reasonable time. 
Birds were skinned on board the Albatross on the operating table in the u]iper 
laboratory; in the center of the table was ]daced a box of arsenic and a small brush, 
a box of corn-meal, or other absorbent, and a basin of Avafer. At the side of each 
operator Avere skinning tools, a roll of cotton, a towel, sponge, needle and thread, 
labels, pencil, and a ball of twine. 
