The hammer is the basic tool in the collector’s kit. Almost any type of hammer is satisfactory, but as collecting experience is gained it may be desirable to get a geologist’s hammer. These hammers, also called mineralogist’s or prospector’s picks, are of two types. One type has a square head on one end and a pick on the other ([Pl. 5]): the other type is similar to a stonemason’s or bricklayer’s hammer and has a chisel end instead of the pointed pick end. The square head of the hammer is useful in breaking or chipping harder rocks, and the chisel or pick end is good for digging, prying, and splitting soft rocks.
Collecting Bag
It will be necessary to have some type of bag in which to carry equipment, fossils, and other supplies. A Boy Scout knapsack, musette bag ([Pl. 5]), hunting bag, or similar canvas or leather bag is suitable.
Chisels
A pair of chisels is useful when fossils must be chipped out of the surrounding [rock]. Two sizes, preferably ½ and 1 inch, will usually suffice. A small sharp punch or awl is effective in removing smaller specimens from the softer rocks.
Wrapping Materials
Some specimens are more fragile than others, and these should be handled with special care. Several sheets of newspaper should always be kept in the collecting bag, and each specimen should be wrapped individually as it is collected. Such precautions taken in the field will usually prevent prized specimens from being broken or otherwise damaged. In addition to newspaper, it is wise to carry a supply of tissue paper in which to wrap more fragile specimens.
Map, Notebook, and Pencil
It is most important to have some method of recording where the fossils were found. It is very easy to forget where the material was collected, and one should never rely on memory. A small pocket-sized notebook is inexpensive and just the right size to carry in the field.
A highway or county map should be used to find the geographic location of each collecting locality. Maps of Texas counties can be obtained from the Texas Highway Department, File D-10, Austin 14, Texas. These maps come in three different sizes, but for most purposes the 18×25-inch sheets, with a scale of ½ inch = 1 mile, will be satisfactory. These are available for all counties and may be purchased at a nominal price.