5 
only to be found by intensive and numerous prolonged observations in the 
field, and may be discovered by some farmer, trapper, game warden, or 
naturalist who is observant and reports his observations. 
It is generally admitted by naturalists that species closely resembling 
each other often have quite different habits and unlike relations to other 
species. Different strains, as in plants, may not be subject to the same 
infections and their periodic fluctuations may be different. Observations 
on animal diseases, or on animal parasites, lose much of their value if there 
is no certainty of the host, or species afflicted. Consequently, there must be 
a certain amount of systematic taxonomic study before detailed observa- 
tions can be made along other lines. Valuable observations of a general 
nature may be made without drawing the lines of differentiation too finely, 
but in general there must be sureness of the names of the animals before 
much of scientific value can be written about them (Anderson, 1920). 
At this point it may be well to warn against incompetent or careless 
identification. A casual or “sight” identification by an experienced 
naturalist who is familiar with the mammals of the district is of more value 
than one by an amateur. However, many forms are so obscurely marked 
that there is great chance for confusion, and specimens need careful exam- 
ination in hand. In case of doubt the specimen should be preserved and 
the determination verified by an expert. 
Though certain methods of preparing specimens have been well tried, 
and are preferable, circumstances may arise when variations are neces- 
sary. An inexperienced collector may not remember the details, and 
not be able to go by the book, but if a skin is preserved with no external 
parts missing, and the skull, feet, and leg bones preserved, it is not 
important that the cuts be made in a strictly orthodox manner. These 
details are more important in handling short-haired or hairless tropical 
mammals, but fortunately most of our Canadian species are well haired 
or furred, and the cuts may be sewn up later without serious detriment to 
the specimen. Rare and valuable zoological specimens do not grow r on 
bushes, and the collector has to take them when and under whatever 
conditions he can capture them. When they come, they may be in larger 
numbers than can be handled properly and emergency methods must be 
employed. It may be necessary to abbreviate the preliminary work and 
finish the details later. As long as the specimens are complete, they may 
usually be remade in a more satisfactory manner. 
For persons who may wish to preserve specimens for naming or for 
record purposes, a simple method is described here (page 7). The method 
of preserving flat or cased skins will also be found very satisfactory for 
collectors who may happen to obtain occasional specimens when they have 
a small amount of equipment and limited time. Collectors in remote 
districts or on long packing trips will also find the method useful, 
particularly when time and opportunity are not convenient for drying the 
ordinary type of so-called “scientific skin” or “study skin”. Persons 
who are making a large collection, and who are able to work under favour- 
able conditions, will find that with some practice the conventional type of 
“skin” stuffed to approximate shape of the animal is easily and rapidly 
made, and more artistic and attractive. The flat skin, however, is of equal 
value for scientific purposes. In many ways, a good flat skin is superior to 
an over-stretched or poorly made stuffed skin. Study skins and flat skins 
