THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 305 



of working the three tents, 70 cents. A 16-oiinee dose was used in each 

 tent, which brings the material cost to about 30 cents a tent, or 90 cents 

 for the three, and the total cost for operating the three tents to $1.60. 

 Since each tent covers about 140 trees, or the three, 420, the cost per 

 tree is less than half a cent. This dose could not be increased in this 

 locality without serious burning, but even if two fumigations were 

 needed, as might be the case with red or purple scale, the cost would 

 not be prohibitive. 



We covered ten thousand trees this spring with three of these tent 

 frames and feel that tlie work has been entirely satisfactory. Such a 

 frame as we have built may have been in use many times and undoubt- 

 erly this crude affair can be greatly improved upon, but it will serve its 

 purpose very well, and at little cost, if you can find nothing better. 



THE COLLECTING AND PRESERVING OF PLANT 



SPECIMENS. 



By O. W. Newman. 



The writer has noticed in his short experience as a member of the 

 State Commission of Horticulture that of tlie numerous spei'imens sent 

 in far identification very few are in sufficiently good shape to be used 

 when they arrive. This is also true of the samples of twigs, branches 

 and roots which are received almost daily for determination of pests, 

 fungoiLs diseases and physiological difficulties, the latter term being 

 designed to cover all cases which can not be answered with safety in 

 other ways. 



Several of the county coonmissioners and farm advisers are already 

 making collections of the native flora, including the various weeds and 

 shrubs, and of the cultivated plants used commercially in their counties. 

 This is a splendid plan and one which deserves careful consideration and 

 help, both from the universities and the State. Speaking for this com- 

 mission, we will be only too glad to help wherever possible in return 

 for duplicate specimens of the plants sent for identification. In view 

 of these facts, and in the hope also of helping some to a better knowledge 

 of how to collect specimens both for shipping and for praservation, the 

 following directions are given : 



FIELD EQUIPMENT. 



Vasculum. — A collection can be made without tools or collecting 

 paraphernalia, but to get satisfactory results, certain things are neces- 

 sary. A collecting can, or vasculum, is the most satisfactory way 

 to bring tender specimens into the laboratory in good condition. 

 This is a tin box 18''x 6''x 3'', convex on one side and flat, or nearly 

 so, on the other. A lid opens along one side, being fastened by a "wire 

 or tin clasp. Hooks or rings for a strap are usually attached to 

 enable the carrier to sling it over his shoulder, out of the way. This 

 box, provided with a little moist moss or some green leaves, will keep 

 tender specimens fresh for hours. 



Portfolio. — Besides the vasculum a field book or portfolio is often 

 carried. This consists simply of two flat boards, as light as possible, 

 or two heav}^ pasteboards, size about 16"x 12", Avith a shawl strap or 



