Having prepared the specimens for the cabinet, the next thing is to arrange them in proper order. There are several ways of doing this, but for those who have not had much experience the following plan will be found the best:—Group the specimens according to the formations to which they belong, and arrange these groups in proper sequence (vide [Table, p. 78]); then take each group, and arrange the specimens it comprises in columns. Beginning at the top of the left-hand corner, place first the specimens of the rock itself, and under it any examples of minerals, concretions, etc., found in that rock; next the fossil plants, if any; and finally, such animal remains as you have arranged according to their zoological sequence, beginning with the lower forms (vide [Table, p. 94]). Unless cramped for room, each formation should begin a new box, its name being written on a slip of paper and placed at the head of the columns of trays. A label setting forth its contents should be fixed outside each of the boxes, which can then be put away on your cupboard shelves.
TABLE OF THE PRINCIPAL FOSSILIFEROUS STRATA
ARRANGED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER.
NOTES ON THE DIFFERENT FORMATIONS MENTIONED IN THE TABLE.
Recent.—The alluvial deposits of most river valleys and some estuaries still in course of formation, containing fossil shells and mammals, all of living species.