88 THE SEA SHORE 



may be pressed and dried, and then mounted beside the plant in 

 its natural condition for comparison ; and the true appearance 

 of the vegetable structure may also be retained, and in a far more 

 satisfactory manner, by preserving a portion of the specimen in 

 dilute spirit. 



Finally, it may be observed that many sea-weeds, like wild 

 flowers, do not retain their natural forms and colours when 

 preserved dry. They are spoilt by the pressure applied, or become 

 so shrivelled and discoloured in the drying as to be but sorry 

 representatives of the beautifully tinted and graceful clothing of 

 the rocks of the coast. But many of those that suffer most in 

 appearance when dried may be made to retain all their natural 

 beauty by preserving them in a fluid; and it is most important 

 that this should be remembered by all who desire to study the 

 weeds at home, and particularly by those who possess a micro- 

 scope, and wish to search into the minute structure of marine 

 algae. Our own plan is to keep not only the dried specimens for 

 the purpose of studying the general characters and classification 

 of the algae, but also to keep a few large bottles stock bottles 

 filled with weeds of all kinds in a preservative fluid. These latter 

 are exceedingly useful at times, and are frequently brought into 

 requisition for close inspection, with or without the microscope. 

 Small pieces may be detached for microscopic examination when 

 required, and sections may be cut either for temporary or 

 permanent mounting just as well as from living specimens, such 

 sections showing all the details of structure exhibited by the living 

 plant. 



THE MUSEUM 



One of the greatest difficulties besetting the young collector 

 lies in the choice and construction of the cabinet or other store- 

 house for the accommodation of the specimens that accumulate as 

 time advances. 



Of course, when expense is a matter of no great consideration, 

 a visit to the nearest public or private museum to see the manner 

 in which the specimens are housed, followed by an order to a 

 cabinet-maker, will set the matter right in a short time ; but 

 it is probable that the majority of our readers are unable to fit up 

 their museum in this luxurious style, and will either have to 

 construct their own cabinets and store-boxes or to purchase cheap 

 substitutes for them. 



