1. Assign a unique reference number to each collection.

2. Record the site location and date of collection, the collector's name, and site details such as the where the fungus is fruiting and the surrounding vegetation or common plants nearby. Location can refer to a distance and direction from the nearest landmark such as a road or town, and can later be translated into a map grid reference or a latitude/longitude.  

3. Take a colour photograph, preferably with a scale for size. 

4. Record shapes, sizes, colours (see the topic Recording), with attention to variations with age. 

5. Set up a spore print on white paper. 

6. Air-dry the specimens (see the sub-section Storing). 
TIP: Before air-drying the specimens: cut one or two fruit bodies of mushroom fungi longitudinally; cut truffles in half. 

7. After drying is completed (usually overnight), put the specimens in a labelled paper bag or envelope.