FLORA OF WASHINGTON AND VICINITY. 213 



Often, as in many Crucifercv, all these can be found combined in the same 

 specimen at once, but in most cases it requires at least two separate col- 

 lections at different times in the season. Where fruit can be found 

 attached to the stem and leaves, this is of course the preferable way, 

 since it leaves no possible doubt as to the identity of both. This sliould 

 therefore be done as long as the size of the fruit will permit, and is 

 recommended in the case of all acorns, and even in hickory-nuts. In the 

 case of larger fruits, such as the walnut, the crab-apple, or the x)ersim- 

 mon, the fruit can be collected separately, properly labeled, and kept in 

 drawers or boxes. 



The essential apparatus for collecting consists of a portfolio and ai 

 small garden trowel. In place of the latter a very large, stout knife 

 may be used, but the results are far less satisfactory. The former is 

 quite indispensable. The traditional tin box of the school books is now 

 generally rejected except for mosses and certain aquatics, when it is made 

 to carry over the shoulder by means of a strap. The beginner will have 

 no use for it. Portfolios are variously made, usually 12 l)y 18 inches in 

 size and admitting of being expanded to the thickness of 3 or 4 inches, 

 and having handles with which to carry them in the hand, and often also 

 straps and buckles for carrying them over the shoulders. They should 

 be partially filled with paper, which, when once folded, shall be of nearly 

 the same size as the portfolio, either sewed to the back or held there by 

 some other device. Various attempts have been made to invent a suita- 

 ble form of ijortfolio, some of which embody valuable suggestions, but 

 the greater part of which are specious impostures calculated to tempt 

 the uninitiated, who, after having invested in them, throw them aside the 

 next season lor something more simple and i^ractical. !N"othing can be 

 more ridiculous than some of these patent impositions which are Avidely 

 advertised and puffed in the newspapers and even in scientific periodi- 

 cals. I have one in mind now which, among other absurdities, had 

 arrangements for the systematic classification and permanent labeling 

 of the specimens as soon as collected ! No attempt need be made to 

 keep a portfolio genteel, especially within. By the time it has been 

 well filled out a few times with moist plants and muddy roots, all the 

 fancy paper that is put into it will have lost its charm. No delusion is 

 greater, either, than that, by having wire for the sides, or no matter 

 how bibulous paper inside, the necessity for taking the plants out of 

 the portfolio and putting them through the regular process of drying 

 ■can be obviated. Those who believe these things merely ruin a few col- 



