232 
No. LXXV.—ETHNOLOGICAL COLLEC¬ 
TIONS. 
It is of importance to obtain from natives any portable 
specimens of their handiwork, tools, weapons, dress, 
ornaments, fetishes, &c., and, where possible, the native 
descriptions of the objects, whether the tools, for instance, 
are for any special work, &c. 
Models should be secured when the originals cannot be 
obtained or are too large for transport, e.g., canoes, 
houses, &c. 
Not only are the finished objects worth collecting, but 
also the raw material used in their manufacture, where this 
has any special character, as grasses for plaiting, dyes, or 
paints used in staining, gums for fixing arrow or spear-points. 
The commonest things in use are generally the most valuable 
from an ethnological point of view, though masterpieces of 
native art are of artistic value, and therefore should not be 
despised. 
At the first moment of leisure the objects should be 
labelled with the locality where they were obtained, and 
their use, and any other particulars. Never trust to 
memory alone. The best means of doing this will differ with 
the climate. For stone implements, shell, or any similar 
surface, write in lead pencil upon the object; pencil is far 
better than ink, as it is but little affected by damp, and is 
practically indelible, unless the specimen is much handled. 
Gummed labels will serve for dry climates, but they should 
be avoided if possible. It is better to use labels of parch¬ 
ment or tough paper, tied on like a luggage label, where the 
shape of the object permits. A list of the objects should 
be made in a book , with a slight sketch of each beside the 
description. 
Comparatively few ethnological specimens are liable to 
deterioration. Corrosive sublimate, or, failing that, arsenical 
soap, will serve to prevent the destruction of feather 
