[CHAPTER XX.]
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE COLLECTION OF SPECIMENS.
"And some rin up hill and down dale, knapping the chucky stones to pieces wi’ hammers like sae many road-makers run daft—they say ’tis to see how the world was made."
St. Ronan’s Well.
Before we proceed on a geological excursion, it is necessary to be provided with suitable instruments to detach specimens from the rocks, and extract fossils from the strata in which we may find them imbedded, and with materials for packing up our treasures, and noting their localities on the spot. For this purpose, the following articles will be found more or less requisite, according to the particular object of the collector:—
1. A hammer of one of the forms figured in [Lign. 266]. Fig. 3 will be found most generally useful.
2. A leather or strong camlet bag, and one or two of smaller size; the former with strings, or with a strap for the shoulder. If travelling in a carriage, a box or basket may also be provided.
3. Stout and thin paper, and some of a soft kind, for wrapping up specimens.
4. Chip boxes, and raw cotton, wadding, or tow, for the same purpose.