364 



HERBAkimi 



[chap. 



inches wide, fastened, as shown in the cut, by tape or 

 straps. A few sheets of absorbing-paper must be kept 

 in the portfolio. 



Fig. 240. Collecting Portfolio. 



In laying out specimens for the press use plenty of paper, 

 so that their moisture may be quickly absorbed, and the 

 danger of mould avoided. The specimens should be laid 

 between the sheets of drying paper in as natural a position 

 as may be, taking care not to crumple the leaves or flowers. 

 If the specimens be too long for the paper, they may be 

 carefully folded or cut in two. Delicate flowers should be 

 carefully folded in paper when gathered, and kept flat. 

 Do not arrange every specimen just in the middle of the 

 paper, but dispose them in such a way, that were a pile of 

 them in their papers raised two feet high they would not 

 topple over : this will equaHze the pressure. Several dry 

 sheets ought to be laid between each layer of fresh speci- 

 mens, the quantity of paper depending upon the thickness 

 and succulence of the plants to be pressed. In the case of 

 thin-leaved and delicate plants, it is not a. bad plan to treat 

 the sheet of paper upon which the specimen is laid as part 

 of the specimen, removing it, every time the papers aie 



