THE CAMERA IN BOTANICAL WORK. 



5 



certain purposes it far surpasses the method of pressing speci- 

 mens ; for the prints, if properly made, are permanent, and 

 "neither moth nor rust doth corrupt." (3) Frequent handling 

 of the tiowcr in arranging it in the screen, developing the nega- 

 tive and print, and painting each petal and stamen, indelibly 

 impresses the characteristics of the specimen upon the mind. My 

 present collection consists of about three hundred 6x8 photo- 

 graphs of wild flowers, of natural size and in natural colors. 

 Each print is mounted on a lox 12 thin gray card with field notes 

 on the back of each card. 



This method of flower photography should be supplemented by 

 photographing interesting groups of growing specimens, and as 

 the relation of insects to flowers is interesting as well as im- 

 portant, the winged visitors, where possible, should be added to 

 the collection. This flower screen and a box of colors also offer 



■--^. 



Fig. 2. Diagram of apparatus. The dotted lines are the sides of the 

 muslin screen, the frames of which are held in place by means of wing 

 nuts or tripod screws. The rod is slotted for the adjustment of the 

 camera. The length of the rod varies with the focal length of the lens. 

 (Consult table of enlargements in any Photographic Annual.) 



great possibilities to the entomologist. During the long cheerless 

 winters a collection of this nature is especially appreciated, for, 

 as you look through your portfolio and are greeted by the violets, 

 lady slippers, etc., in all their loveliness of form and color, you 

 can recall the glories of spring and almost hear the notes of the 

 wood thrush echoing through the woods, or catch the scarlet 

 flash of the tanager as he darts through the over-hanging boughs. 



