2 THE PLANT WORLD. 



For this class of photography any camera will do, provided it 

 has a long bellows ; and I might also say any lens will do, although, 

 as in all photographic work, the better the lens the better the 

 result. However I would recommend a 4 by 5 long focus, rever- 

 sible back. Cycle camera, equipped with the best lens one can 

 afiford. 



The essential part of the outfit is the flower screen, which is so 

 constructed as to shield the flower from the wind, and admit light 

 sufficient for short exposure, and it is so arranged as to be easily 

 taken apart, and conveniently carried. This screen consists of 

 two light wooden frames connected by a bellows of sheer white 

 muslin which is reinforced on the side facing the sun (see Fig. 

 i) by a sheet of tissue or oiled paper, just sufficient to prevent 

 any shadow from being cast by the flower, which lies on the 

 background. 



The background consists of a card mount tacked to the front 

 of the rear frame. This screen is practically an outdoor studio 

 and can be easily carried with the camera on a bicycle. It re- 

 duces to the minimum all trouble in getting a proper light, and 

 furthermore, the exposure being short, anxiety as to the withering 

 of the specimen is eliminated. The accompanying cut and photo- 

 graph fully explain the manner of construction and use. A Rem- 

 brandt card mount was found, after many experiments, to be 

 the most satisfactory background, giving the best contrast, even 

 with white flowers. In arranging the specimens on the back- 

 ground one need not sacrifice artistic taste to scientific exactness, 

 as the two can be easily combined. 



In setting up the apparatus, the top or tissue paper side of the 

 screen must face the sun squarely (see Fig. i). thus preventing 

 parts of the screen from casting shadows on the background. 

 The light, filtered through the tissue paper and muslin, is ex- 

 ceedingly soft, and seems especially suited to bring out all the 

 charms of the flower. After having arranged the specimen on the 

 background satisfactorily, focus with diaphragm F. 16. and select, 

 for sharp focus, a blossom a little to the front of the center of 

 the spray, and make the exposure with diaphragm F. 32. A few 

 experiments will soon give you the correct exposure, especially 



