the end remote from the head, to prevent its slipping.—It should be fixed in the head by means of a thin, barbed iron wedge.
For trimming specimens, smaller hammers may be employed:—The form of the head, recommended for this purpose by Dr. MacCulloch[1], is rectangular. The dimensions of the face may be 1 inch by ¾; the height 2¼.
It will be expedient to have always some hammers, of different sizes, in reserve.
A small miner's pick is useful for cutting out, and splitting portions of slaty rocks; or for obtaining specimens of clays, &c.
A small stone-cutter's chisel.—A chisel with a handle, of the form here represented, will often save the hand of an inexpert collector, and better enable him to direct his blow.
For Packing the specimens.—A stock of strong paper. Sealing-wax. Writing-paper, cut into labels. Thick gum-water, to cement the labels to the specimens.
For the Conveyance of specimens.—A large bag of leather, with straps for the shoulders. Strong canvas bags, of smaller size, are very convenient for subdivision and arrangement.—For the protection of crystals, or delicate petrifactions, &c., wool or
- ↑ "On the forms of Mineralogical Hammers." Quarterly Journal, (R. Inst.) vol. xi. 1821, p. 1, &c.
