The Plant World 



A MONTHLY JOURNAL OF POPULAR BOTANY. 



VoL IV. " MAY, 1901. No. B. 



HINTS ON HERBORIZING. 



By a. H. Curtiss. 



{Concluded from page 66.) 



HAVING described my implements and materials for work, I will 

 now turn my attention to methods, describing as briefly as pos- 

 sible such as are not alluded to in "Botanizing," or that are men- 

 tioned as of little or doubtful value. 



In selecting specimens of any plant, I aim to avoid abnormal and 

 deformed growths — for which latter insects and browsing animals are 

 chiefly responsible — and to represent all normal forms or developments 

 obtainable. Of small herbs I collect various sizes, slender and much- 

 branched plants, etc. And when I come to make up plants for distri- 

 bution, I aim that a like variety shall be represented in each specimen. 

 This requires a careful arrangement which may not be understood by 

 those who receive my specimens. It seems to be generally considered 

 that quantity is the only point to be regarded. 



Of many plants, especially Compositae, I aim to collect an equal 

 number of perfect small plants, and branches of large ones with sections 

 of the main stems and the supporting leaves attached. I aim that the 

 under side of at least one leaf shall be turned upward, and I often add 

 separate leaves when they are large and of varied forms. Good addi- 

 tions to specimens of biennials and some perennials are the well devel- 

 oped seedlings which may be found in the fall. 



Of tall and slender grasses and sedges I usually provide several 

 tops of flowers or fruit for each specimen. Grasses whose leaves in- 

 cline to roll, I dami^en thoroughly before putting in press, and I give 



