Shells* corals, &c. are found extensively in most, of the 
limestone, &c. of our country, and generally in a state of petri¬ 
faction. The rule given for the size of geological specimens, 
strictly so called, of course does not embrace these fossils, even 
when smaller than the geological specimen: if they be imbed¬ 
ded in the rock : for no effort should be made to reduce the 
size of the containing rock that will endandger a valuable fossil. 
The importance of collecting fossil remains cannot be too 
strongly impressed on the mind of the collector. To the 
geologist they are nature’s hieroglyphics, by the study of which 
he is enabled to realize the various conditions in which ani¬ 
mate and inanimate matters have existed on this earth, and 
the many revolutions to which it and they have been subject. 
Mineralogy .—Mineralogical specimens should be carefully 
wrapped up with an accompanying label, and where the 
crystals are delicate or easily broken, they should be enveloped 
in cotton or other soft substance. Great care should always 
be taken to preserve crystals unfractured or unrubbed, and the 
faces of compact specimens unscratched. The size of miner¬ 
alogical specimens must necessarily be very various: suitable 
labels should accompany each specimen. 
CONCLUDING REMARKS. 
The collector should be careful in packing to have his boxes 
tight and strong. The angles and cracks should be carefully 
caulked up and pitched internally and externally. Specimens 
of all kinds should not be indiscriminately packed together, as 
destruction must be the inevitable consequence in such a case 
to some of the more frail and tender. Geological, mineralogi¬ 
cal, and other heavy specimens should be put up in separate 
boxes, even if these are subsequently introduced into the 
general or great box. Skins may be securely packed in tight 
whiskey or other spirit barrels. Snuff, tobacco, camphor, or 
small balls of cotton immersed in spirits of turpentine, should 
be always introduced with these skins to prevent the attack of 
bugs and worms. Injunctions should be given to those who 
transport these collections not to expose them to wet or rain, 
nor to pack them away in the damp part of a vessel, or in a 
damp cellar. 
