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When the nature of the specimen quite prohibits putting the number 
right on it, the figures should be put on a tag which in turn is fastened to 
the specimen. Tags tied with string are seldom satisfactory and the use 
of iron wire is objectionable because it often rusts and marks the specimen. 
Monel metal wire will be found excellent for the purpose, being strong, 
flexible, and non-corrosive. 
Very small specimens, such as single beads or auditory ossicles, are 
best put in a small phial with a numbered tag and packed with cotton wool 
to prevent motion. 
STORAGE 
Many points demand consideration when the storage of specimens 
not immediately needed for exhibition or study is in question. The essen- 
tials are that the specimens be at once safe and accessible. Their safety 
demands freedom from: continuous light, high temperature, excessive 
dryness or humidity, insect pests, dust, breakage, and fire. Their access- 
ibility is secured by systematic arrangement on enclosed adjustable shelves 
and in a series of storage cases with interchangeable trays. 
Canoes may be stored by the construction of a rack like those used in 
boat houses, and much space will be saved by devoting a corner of the 
storage room to such a rack. 
Harpoons, bows, blow-guns, spears, and other long objects may be 
cared for very conveniently by constructing a rack like a rifle rack round 
the walls of the room or down one side of an aisle. 
Clothing, whether of fur, buckskin, or other material, is better hung 
up than rolled or folded in a storage tray; furthermore hanging facilitates 
inspection. If possible a moth-proof room should be devoted to this type 
of storage. 
All specimens in storage, except perhaps osteological and archaeological 
material, should be inspected carefully at least once a month. A printed 
form, about 3 by 5 inches in size, may be fastened to the outside of the 
storage case. On this form appear three columns, one for the date, one 
for the months (already printed on the form) , and a third column in which 
the condition of the material on the day of inspection can be indicated. 
In this way, the history of each case for the current year can be read at a 
glance and suspected cases, marked on the form with red pencil, kept 
under specially careful observation. 
EXHIBITION 
The very natural tendency is to put the best specimens on exhibition. 
Unfortunately, continuous exhibition is very detrimental to the material 
exhibited, and in all too many cases a specimen exhibited is a specimen 
doomed. The action of light appears to be highly destructive and there 
does not seem to be any ready means of eliminating it. The use of tinted 
glass in the exhibition cases has been suggested, but the expense of the 
glass is increased and the colours of the specimens are falsified. Covering 
