1919 Hotson; on Sphagnum Dressings 221 



the part of the collector may greatly reduce the efficiency of the sorter, 

 frequently rendering otherwise useful moss absolutely worthless. The 

 amount of moss sorted is thus proportional to the care of the gatherer, 

 and yet it is readily seen that with the difficulties confronting the col- 

 lector, too much time cannot be spent on that end of the work, as there 

 are a hundred persons available for sorting where there is one for collect- 

 ing. There is a happy mean to which we should strive in order to obtain 

 the greatest results with the least labor. Picking over or sorting the moss 

 is usually one of the tedious phases of making sphagnum dressings. The 

 sorting may be done either in some central place or at several centers. 

 Good results have been obtained by distributing the moss to women's clubs, 

 who sort and return it to the place where it is dried. In some places a 

 great deal of assistance has been rendered by high school teachers and 

 students. In such cases a small portion of the regular school time may 

 be allotted to this work, or if there is objection to that, volunteers may be 

 asked to remain half an hour or even an hour after the school is dis- 

 missed. 



The following are a few suggestions for the sorter to keep in mind: 



1. Moss to be sorted should be spread out several hours in advance, 

 preferably late on the previous day. If it is in a damp condition the large 

 lamps may be slightly shaken apart and separated; but if dry and 

 packed, as is more likely to be the case, it should be sprinkled lightly 

 with water and an oilcloth thrown over it for several hours, or over night 

 if possible. 



2. In cleaning the moss it is not necessary to remove every particle 

 of foreign matter such as tiny bits of leaves or grass, but, of course, all 

 the larger leaves, all bits of stick, any sharp pine needles, stiff grass, 

 etc., must be removed. As the moss is spread out in the drying frames it 

 should be looked over a second time as a matter of precaution. 



3. After the moss is sorted, do not leave it in sacks for any length 

 of time but spread it out as soon as possible. If it is allowed to dry in the 

 bag it frequently forms a hard lump which when pulled apart breaks 

 up the moss. 



4. When dry, handle the moss just as little as possible, as in hand- 

 ling it the small leaves are broken off. It is these leaves that do the 

 work of absorption, hence the more that are lost the less efficient the moss. 

 Never sort dry moss. If, inadvertently, it becomes too dry, moisten it. 



Drying Sphagnum 



The fact that sphagnum absorbs such a large amount of water and 

 holds it with such tenacity makes the process of drying one of the most 



