HOW TO COLLECT MOSSES. 



THE classificatiou of mosses is so largely based on the charac- 

 ters of the capsule and seta that the beginner would best 

 collect only fruiting specimens, unless he may chance to 

 rind something particularly striking. If one is to study the mosses 

 at all carefully he must preserve his collections in a systematic 

 way for future reference. The larger the number of correctly 

 named specimens in a collection the more valuable and useful it 

 is. Additional specimens can usually be obtained by exchange 

 or by purchase. It has been the purpose of the Editor to place a 

 series of correctly named specimens within the reach of all our 

 readers because such specimens are almost indispensible for sat- 

 isfactory work in the study of mosses. If one is to make ex- 

 changes, extra specimens must be collected and prepared. One 

 should usually collect enough for six or more good specimens and 

 if the mosses seems rare, collect a larger quantity. 



Most species of mosses, by reason of their growing on the 

 surface of trees stones or earth, are subjected to great extremes 

 of drouth and moisture so that they readily soak out in good con- 

 dition for study, no matter how dried, provided only that they be 

 dry enough to prevent moulding. Much more satisfactory speci- 

 mens are made by drying under a light pressure. If the moss 

 grows in thin mats it can be transferred bodily to the pressing 

 sheets. If time is abundant, it will be well to separate the mats 

 into sections such as will be distributed for herbarium specimens, 

 wrapping each in a newspaper packet. If, as is often the case, 

 two or more species are growing interwoven, it will be well to 

 separate them. If the mats are thick and consist mostly of erect 

 stems, it is better to break them up into vertical sections or 

 slices. The substance upon which the plant is growing, the date, 

 and the locality should be plainly noted in every case. The Edi- 

 tor always carries some old envelopes in his pocket and hnds them 

 very handy for collecting chance specimens. 



An unnecessary and troublesome amount of earth or rotton 

 wood often adheres to the plants; as much of this should be re- 

 moved as can be done without injury to the specimens. After 

 drying it can often be removed more easily. The best season for 

 collecting varies with the plants. The Miniums, the Bryums, the 

 liair caps and their allies will mostly be in prime condition by July 

 liist. Most of the Pleurocarpous mosses are in t!ie best condition 



