306 THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 



other means of holding- them together. With this field book should 

 be included several sheets of newspaper to keep specimens separated 

 and slips of blank paper to use as temporary labels for each specimen, 

 also a hand lens. 



It is also advisable to include such minor articles as a stron.i,' knife 

 oi- a small trowel, for digging up roots which can not be pulled up 

 1).V hand, wide-mouthed bottles for bringing in algtv and other small 

 water plants and a supply of grocers' paper bags for mosses and 

 lichens. 



LABORATORY EQUIPMENT. 



Press. — For ])reserving the specimens obtained a press is the first 

 requisite. It can be made of anything from a pile of books to a first- 

 class machine. One which many have found valuable consists of a 

 platform 2()"x 15" and two vertical pieces fastened to one side, 

 parallel to each other and an inch apart, with holes bored through 

 each at intervals of three inches to the height of about two feet. A 

 fulcrum is then inserted between the two uprights and secured by 

 an iron pin. When the jilants are placed beneath and a weight is 

 hung on the outer end the press is complete. 



Another very convenient press, which is used extensively, is similar 

 to the field book or portfolio, though of stronger material — two thin 

 boards 16"x 12", braced with cross pieces to prevent their warping, 

 and one or two strong, flexible straps. Such a press is often best for 

 the man who collects in spare time, as it can be hung over a stove 

 or radiator and requires very little attention other than to tighten 

 the straps as the specimens dry. 



Driers. — The best material for driers is what is known as corrugated 

 pasteboard. It should be surfaced on both sides and should be cut 

 the same size as the portfolio — 16"x 12". This corrugated board has 

 been adopted by the United States Department of Agriculture, and 

 by many of the universities, largely because of the greater ventilation 

 given the pack through the corrugations. In ordering the driers cut, 

 state that the corrugations must run across and not longitudinally, 

 as the shorter the distance the air travels the better the ventilation. 

 They have the added advantage of not requiring as frequent changes 

 as the felt driers formerly in use. The length of time required 

 for drying is also materially reduced, which is a matter of some 

 importance. 



When the corrugated pasteboard driers are used in the strap-press 

 it is a good plan to hang it up or stand it on edge, so that the air 

 may more readily pass through the corrugations. In cold damp 

 weather the press shordd be placed near the stove or some other 

 means of artificial heat. 



The other form of drier is felt paper. It is a good plan to have a 

 few of these driers on hand in case specimens containing a great deal 

 of moisture are collected. The corrugated board does not absorb 

 moisture — iiiei-ely aids in its evaporation. 



Floating Pan. — This is a receptacle used for spreading water speci- 

 mens siieh as fresh water alga^ seaweeds, and other snuUl plants which 

 are difficult to spread by other means. 



Microscope. — For oi-diiiary field ])iirposes a snuill hand lens is the 

 best and can be bought very cheaply. For the laboratory and for 



