SUGGESTIONS FOR GATHERING BOTANICAL DRUGS. 275 



Seeds should be gathered as soon as ripe, and before the 

 pod opens. 



Herbs, Flowers and Seeds (like wheat) ripen and mature 

 after being gathered. 



All botanical drugs must be thoroughly dry and well cured 

 before packing them for shipment, otherwise they heat, be- 

 come mouldy, and are worthless. 



In drying and curing botanical drugs, expose them to the 

 sun the first day or two after gathering (care being taken not 

 to allow the hot rays of the mid-day sun to scorch or burn 

 them). Then spread them in lofts, or on shelves, allowing 

 the air to circulate freely, stirring them occasionally. The 

 dew or rain must not be allowed to fall upon them while dry- 

 ing, as it makes them dark and dingy. The object is to retain, 

 as nearly as possible, their natural color and odor. 



