250 NATURAL HISTORY. 



the contents through the large hole in the back of the head. In case 

 it becomes necessary to diisjoint a skeleton, care should be taken to 

 attach a common mark to all the pieces, especially when more than 

 one individual is packed in the same box. 



Skulls and skeletons may frequently be picked up already cleaned 

 by other animals or exposure to weather. By placing small animals 

 near an ant's nest, or in water occupied by tadpoles, or small Crus- 

 tacea, very beautiful skeletons may often be obtained. The sea-beach 

 fsometimes affords rich treasures in the remains of porpoises, whales, 

 large fishes, as sharks, and other aquatic species. 



§ VIII. PLANTS. 



The collector of plants requires but little apparatus ; a few quires 

 or reams of unsized paper, of folio size, will furnish all that will be 

 needed. The specimens, as gathered, may be placed in a tin box, or, 

 still better, in a portfolio of paper, until reaching home. About forty 

 or fifty sheets of the paper should be ])ut into the portfolio on setting 

 out on an excursion. Put the specimens of each species in a sepa- 

 rate sheet as fast as gathered from the plant, taking a fresh sheet for 

 each additional species. On returning to camp place these sheets 

 (without changing or disturbing the plants) between the absorbent 

 ■drying papers in the press, and draw the straps tight enough to pro- 

 duce the requisite pressure. The next day the driers may be changed, 

 ^nd those previously used laid in the sun to dry; this to be continued 

 until the plants are perfectly dry. If paper and opportunities of 

 transportation be limited, several specimens from the same locality 

 may be combined in the same sheet after they are dry. 



Place in each sheet a slip of paper having a number or name of 

 locality written on it corresponding with a list kept in a memorandum 

 book. Record the day of the month, locality, size, and character of 

 the plant, color of flower, fruit, &c. 



If the stem is too long, double it or cut it in two lengths. Collect, 

 if possible, half a dozen specimens of each kind. In the small speci- 

 mens collect the entire plant, so as to show the root. 



In many instances old newspapers will be found to answer a good 

 purpose both in drying and in keeping plants, although the unprinted 

 paper is best — the more porous and absorbent the better. 



When not travelling pressure may be most conveniently applied 

 to plants by placing them between two boards, with a weight of about 

 fifty pounds laid on the top. 



Wliile on a march the following directions for collecting plants, 

 drawn uj) by Major Rich, are recommended : 



Have thick cartridge, or envelop paper, folded in quarlo form, and 

 kept close and even by binding Avith strong cord ; newspapers will 

 -answer, but are liable to chafe and wear out ; a few are very convenient 

 to mix in with the hard paper as dryers. This herbarium may be 

 rolled up in the blanket while travelling, and placed on a pack-animal. 

 The specimens collected along the road may be kept in the crown of 

 the hat when without a collecting box, and placed in paper at noon 

 or at night. Great care should be taken to keep the papers dry and 



