41 
Worn or fragile papers can be made indestructable for 
handling by dipping into a solution of one part stearine in 
three parts collodion, and letting them dry 15 minutes. 
Restoring burnt paper .—Writing is usually still legible. 
If not entirely reduced to ash, burnt paper can generally 
be used; but it is very fragile. Lift by passing another 
paper beneath. Moisten as above, to remove curl. Slide 
on to a pi^ce of gummed tracing cloth and very carefully 
press down. Trim the tracing cloth to exact edges of 
paper, then piece together as in the case of torn papers. 
Burned papers are very fragile, even when gummed. 
The whole process requires skill. Better practice in 
advance. 
Taking impressions .—Relief impressions of raised sur¬ 
faces can be taken by using moist blotting paper and letting 
it dry in position. Impressions of more uneven, or solid 
objects, may be obtained by a similar use of a mass of wet 
tissue paper. 
PRESERVING PERISHABLE EVIDENCE. 
Perishable evidence is often best preserved by placing 
it in cold storage. It can often be preserved, also, in 
alcohol. In the absence of cold storage, formalin or for¬ 
maldehyde is best for fish or game meat. These preserva¬ 
tives destroy color, however. If this is important, wire 
the district forester for advice, stating color and exact 
nature of material. If it is impossible to preserve any 
article or evidence, be sure to have witnesses to its finding, 
and its nature or identity, while it is yet in its original 
condition. 
MAKING USE OF EXPERTS. 
To the laym'an one of the most striking services of the 
expert is that of the microscopist, who deals with a world 
invisible to the naked eye. He can tell from a hair, for 
example, whether it is from deer or beef, horse, dog, or 
human, and the race, habits, and probable age of an 
original human possessor; from carpet-sweeping dust the 
number, age, character, habits, food, and recent occupa¬ 
tion of, as well as visitors recently entertained by. the 
