26 



THE AMERICAN BOTANIST. 



and heavy roots and tubers may be halved and most of the 

 tissues removed, leaving only the outer surface. If the leaves 

 are too numerous to press well trim off some, leaving a small 

 basal portion to show their former presence. Thick, heavy 

 heads of flowers like those of wild sunflowers may be split, but 

 are better if pressed entire, surrounded by one or more ring- 

 shaped thicknesses of drying paper. This keeps the other parts 

 flat and prevents crushing the heads. Do not omit to place in 

 each folder a label, showing the date and place of collection 

 and something of the habits of the plant. 



After the pile is complete add another frame with the 18 

 inch strips «/>. Place two cords around the frame, one about 

 3 inches from each end, with the loops just appearing on the 

 upper side, and fasten as shown in the figure. Slip the free 

 end (1) through the loop (2). Loop the free end remaining 



under the cord at the side of the press (3). Stand on the 

 press and tighten 4 as far as it can be pulled. Pull 3 to to 

 take up the slack in 4 and draw 3 up firmly between the edge 

 of the press and the cord at 5. The pressure will hold it se- 

 curely without a knot, the press may be moved easily from 

 place to place, and may be opened instantly by pulling on 1. 



Place the presses in the sun or in a warm dry place. After 

 24 hours change the wet driers for fresh ones, leaving the 

 plants undisturbed in their folders. Spread the wet driers out 

 in the sun to dry; a sidewalk is a good place, and they will 

 dry in an hour on a hot day. Repeat this process daily until 



