THE BOTANIST'S OUTFIT. 47 



and the environment. Some botanists use only the 

 tin box ; others use only the portfolio. We employ 

 either or both as the case demands. The box, or vas- 

 culum, is usually a flattened cylinder of any size to 

 suit the caprice of the owner. 

 It opens through nearly the 

 whole of one side, and has a 

 cover confined by a sliding 

 bar. We have one small one, 

 and another that is often mis- 

 taken for a wash-boiler. Such a box may be of one 

 compartment, or divided into several. Plants, espe- 

 cially if closely packed, will keep in it for a long 

 time. For ordinary study or school work, the box 

 is to be preferred. By it the plants are brought in 

 fresh, and with their natural contour and expression. 

 It is well during a journey to sprinkle them with 

 water now and then. Probably the largest and best 

 collections are made by means of the portfolio. This 

 consists essentially of two binder's-boards of standard 

 size, 17x12 in. that is, a little larger than the sheets 

 upon which the plants are subsequently to be mounted. 

 These should be covered with enameled cloth, and 

 left free ; that is, not connected by the back in the 

 manner of a book. Around them must pass a couple 

 of straps, held in place, and by which pressure can be 

 brought to bear on the contained papers. Within 

 these covers we have the field-folios, or sheets of 

 bibulous paper, with here and there a regular drier 

 to give firmness to the whole. So much for outfit. 

 We must now state how our apparatus is to be used. 

 The first thing is to select your plants. Beginners 

 make the mistake of collecting things that are too 

 young perhaps with a fellow-feeling for the inex- 

 perienced. Be patient ! Wait till the plants are well 

 in flower, and if possible, even partly in fruit. If you 



