A. Shell without [transverse] partitions or sutures 1. Shell coiled like ram’s horn, low spired; shell has two valves, smaller flattened [valve] often missing. In Texas exclusively [Cretaceous][Pelecypod] 2. Shell tightly coiled, most have higher spire than 1, shell smaller and not as rough as 1, has only one valve[Gastropod] B. Coiled fossils, coiling not in one plane 1. Shell with transverse internal partitions or sutures a. Partitions always smooth, thick shelled, loosely and irregularly coiled, in Texas exclusively Cretaceous[Caprinid] b. Partitions (sutures) generally wrinkled, regularly and tightly coiled[Cephalopod] 2. Shell without transverse internal partitions or suturesGastropod 3. Solid spiral ridge around central axis, resembles corkscrewBryozoan C. Uncoiled fossils 1. [Fossil] resembles narrow saw blade. [Paleozoic] only[Graptolite] 2. Fossil irregularly cone-shaped, [longitudinal] partitions or septa[Coral] 3. Shell resembles clam or oyster, nonsymmetricalPelecypod (mostly oysters) 4. Branching twig-like fossils a. Covered with minute pores or openingsBryozoa b. With evenly distributed larger openings with septa[Colonial] coral 5. Lace-like fossils, occur as thin sheets or filmsBryozoa 6. Masses of circular or [polygonal] tubes with septaColonial coral 7. Irregular fossils, cylindrical with rough surface a. Large axial opening with thick wall, external longitudinal ribs. Cretaceous only[Rudistid] b. Solid, no opening, small pits or pores. [Pennsylvanian] or [Permian]Sponge
CATALOGING THE COLLECTION
After the fossils have been cleaned and tentatively identified, they should be cataloged. This is necessary to enable the collector to have a record of his collection and to furnish as much information as possible about each individual [fossil].
The collecting data can be taken from the labels that were placed in each bag of fossils as they were collected, or from the field notebook. Actually, it is wise to check one against the other. This information should then be entered in some type of record book and also placed on a more permanent label which is put in the tray or box with the [fossil]. The catalog and label should contain such pertinent data as (1) the scientific name of the fossil, (2) the geologic [formation] from which the specimen was collected, (3) the exact geographic location of the collecting locality, (4) the name of the collector, (5) the date the fossil was collected, and (6) the catalog number of the specimen. The latter is usually placed in the upper right hand corner of the label ([fig. 6]) and corresponds with a like number in the record book.
Specimen No. P-185 NAME Spirifer rockymontanus [FORMATION] Big Saline (Penn.) LOCALITY Little Brady Creek, McCulloch Co., Tex. (1000′ NE of Smith ranch House) COLLECTOR F. B. Plummer DATE July 1937
Fig. 6. A [brachiopod] showing the catalog number on it, and the accompanying label that pertains to the specimen.
The entries in the catalog should be numbered consecutively, and all specimens from the same locality should bear the same number. This number should be written on the [fossil] with India ink, preferably on any remaining matrix or on some inconspicuous part of the specimen ([fig. 6]). If the surface of the fossil is too coarse or porous for ink, the catalog number can be written on a small patch of white enamel or clear nail polish painted on the specimen. After the ink has dried it should be coated with a dab of clear shellac or clear nail polish to help preserve the number. If each specimen is numbered, it can easily be identified even if it should become separated from its label.