PREFACE

V. Sample Size and NumberA. A recommended standard sample size is two liters. More than one 2-liter sample can becollected from contexts in which cultural deposition is thought to be sparse, preservationis poor, or if analysis of larger amounts is desired. In some regions of the Southwest, one2-liter sample is insufficient. Rather than increasing the sample size, we recommendincreasing the number of 2-liter samples taken from a single context. One sample can befloated and the results evaluated to determine the number of additional samples requiredto yield a sufficient volume or quantity of botanical material for analysis. These 2-litersamples can be combined if desired without loss of size comparability. If feature volumeis less than two liters, collect as much as possible remembering to reserve enough in situsediment for pollen and other samples if applicable.B. Sample number will vary according to site type, context, deposit volume, preservation,and research questions (see Table 6.2). A single 2-liter sample is usually sufficient for afeature (see exceptions above). Evidence for multiple episodes of use, floor surfaces, andlarge features may require collection of several samples to adequately represent thebotanical materials associated with those contexts. Samples can be collected adjacent tofeatures to recover accidental deposition, and from secondary deposits in a feature toverify the unique nature of the sampled context. Control samples also should becollected from the modern ground surface or, if identifiable, the prehistoric groundsurface, to identify the local seed assemblage.C. Number of samples will vary according to research questions, site type, context,preservation, and budget. Consistent sampling from a recurrent feature type is advised.VI.VII.VIII.How to CollectA. Using a clean trowel, remove sediment from context and place into heavy duty paperbags or one-gallon zip lock bags. Filled one-gallon zip lock bag is about 2 liters. Doublebag all bags and seal securely to prevent contamination by other samples duringtransport.B. Label bags completely; may also insert a completed identification tag inside bag. Labelsshould include sample, site, and feature numbers, level, depth, and specific context ofsample.C. If sample is damp, note WET SAMPLE on bag and in sample log so laboratorytechnicians will know to open the bag to dry the sample to prevent molding.D. Treat samples carefully. Botanical materials are fragile so the samples should be boxedseparately from heavy artifacts.E. Record sample locations on site, feature, and profile maps, and in sample log.Other SamplingA. Vegetal samples from cultural contexts or recovered in excavation screen.B. Pollen samples can be collected in tandem with flotation samples or from independentlocations. (See pollen sample collection guidelines.)C. Radiocarbon samples, usually charcoal and occasionally other charred vegetal items.D. Locations of all samples should be plotted on site/structure maps and documented insample logs.Record Keeping/Sample Logs (from Fruitland Data Comparability Guidelines)A. Do every analyst a favor and keep a sample log. In the opinion of the compilers of thisdocument, it would behoove all excavation crews to keep a log book that would be divided bysample category (e.g. flotation, pollen, dendro, C-14) and, within each category, give each samplea sample or collection number.B. Regardless of how the log is set up, information to be recorded for flotation samples is:6-56