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[Page 2]
them up in small packets of muslin & they may be marked by the No. of knots put on the thread with which they are sewn this is best done by a double thread the one part colored[sic] the other white, the knots on the colored one may them be considered as tens & those on the white thread as units, a double knot on the colored[sic] thread may also signify a 100 but it is better to sew up the parcels before they are so numerous in pieces of muslin of different size & marking these poquets in the same way. let them be stowed away in a cask of spirits where they will be safe & your bottle will be cleared for use.
This mode of proceding[sic] is applicable only to the most tender animals for the greater part of your collecting will be preserved dry. I need not give you advice as to the best best means of preserving the skins of animals insects shells fishes or other articles too bulky for the spirit collection these when sufficiently dried must be rolled up in cask or in boxes & secured against the attacks of ants or of other insects with the most solicitous care.
So numerous will your collections be that you cannot be expected to preserve more than 3 or at most 5 individuals of each species 2 specimens of the larger animals 4 of the middle size & 8 of those that require to be expedited in [indecipherable] nor indeed can you be allowed to extend your collections to any larger number ^ [Transcriber's Note: the text to be inserted is shown on page 4] lest your collections stock should occupy more room than can properly be allowed for them in the vessel in order however to encourage you to be as industrious as possible two one specimen only of each large [indecipherable] collected 2 of the middling & 4 of the smaller & 4 of insects will be required from you for the public & two others but no more The remainder you will be permitted to retain for your own use & benefit.
The times of your going ashore for the purpose of collecting must be regulated entirely by the will of the