2 20 The Ohio Naturalist. [Vol. II, No. 5, 



on the outside of the package, numbers onh^ enclosed with the 

 specimens. Contributions are earnestly solicited. 



To make exsiccata, or dried specimens, for the herbarium is a 

 very simple matter, and I suggest a method of procedure for the 

 benefit of those who may be interested in this phase of the work. 

 If the Alga is a large one, for example a coarse filamentous pond- 

 scum (Spirogyra), or very branching form from running water 

 ( Cladophora ), place a small portion of the material in a basin of 

 water. Then insert under it a piece of writing paper (book 

 paper is not satisfactory, it must be sized ), say three inches square 

 or perhaps 2)^ x 4 inches, and very slowly bring it to the surface 

 of the water, in the meantime gently spreading out the Alga over 

 it so as to show advantageously and naturally on the white paper. 

 For this a camel's hair brush will be found useful, particularh* 

 for spreading the more delicate filaments. When the paper is 

 lifted and drained of the excess of water, the Alga being spread 

 satisfactorily, it should be laid in the plant-j^ress or put between 

 folds of paper under pressure to dry ; but first spread over the 

 specimen a piece of muslin (do not use a new piece of cloth ), 

 or worn-out handkerchief will serve as well, thus preventing the 

 drying papers from coming in direct contact with the Alga. The 

 next day when the mounted specimens are examined, it will be 

 found that the Alga adheres firmly to the paper, the covering cloth 

 being easily removed. 



But for the smaller specimens, and especially for the colonies 

 of gelatinous or slimy forms, it is preferable to use smaller pieces 

 of mounting paper, and let the Alga dry without pressure. That 

 is, put a small quantity of the Alga on a piece of paper, leaving 

 it exposp:d till all the water evaporates, when the specimen will 

 remain attached. Small pieces of mica are preferable for such 

 mounting, .since when later the material is moistened to remove 

 a portion for study and microscopic examination, the remainder 

 is less disturbed than might be the case when paper is used for 

 mounting. I usually mount specimens on both paper and mica ; 

 on the former the mass shows to better advantage. 



Those who wish to make a careful study of our Algae will 

 scarcely find a good pocket lens sufficient even for general exam- 

 ination. But a compound microscope with a comparatively low 

 objective will be quite satisfactor}^ To study the various kinds 

 of spore formation and modes of re]iroduction would be as inter- 

 esting as it is difhcult, but beginners and amateurs need not b)^ 

 reason of this hint anticipate insurmountable difficulties. 



The accompanying plate, will give a general though crude idea 

 of the variety of forms that are comprised in the greater ])ortion 

 of our Algological flora. The delicacy and beauty of the numer- 

 ous .species can only be realized when one enters upon their 

 enthusiastic study. 



