SUGGESTIONS FOR GATHERING BOTANICAL DRUGS. 275 
_ Seeds should be gathered as soon as ripe, and before the 
pod opens. 
Herbs, Flowers and Seeds (like wheat) ripen and mature 
after being gathered. 
All botanical drugs must be thoroughly dry and well cured 
before packing them for shipment, otherwise they heat, be- 
come mouldy, and are worthless, 
In drying and curing botanical drugs, expose them to the 
sun the first day or two after gathering (care being taken not 
to allow the hot rays ofgthe mid-day sun to scorch or burn 
them). Then spread them in lofts, or on shelves, allowing 
the air to circulate freely, stirring them occasionally. The 
dew or rain must not be allowed to fall upon them while dry- 
ing, as it makes them dark and dingy. The object is to retain, 
as nearly as possible, their natural color and odor. . 
