A Convenient Laboratory Plant Press. 185 
that the corrugations run the short way are used between the dryers. When 
succulent material is to be dried it is perhaps preferable to use one cor- 
rugated board between each pair of dryers. For the ordinary type of ma- 
terial two plant sheets with three dryers between each pair of corrugated 
boards is found entirely satisfactory. Grasses and other similar plants will 
be found to dry satisfactorily when three specimens and four dryers are 
placed between the corrugated boards. Folded sheets of newspaper are 
found to be entirely satisfactory for use as plant sheets, though the special 
sheets for sale by all dealers in herbarium supplies are preferred by many 
collectors. When plants are being dried for illustrative purposes a layer 
of sheet cotton may be used to advantage between the specimen sheets 
and the dryers. 
When only a few plants are to be dried and the press is thin, a floor of 
loose but closely fitting boards should be laid on each side of the press on 
the rack so that all the heat will pass through the corrugated boards. For 
this purpose four boards 18 inches long, two or which are one and a half 
inches, and two three inches wide should be kept conveniently at hand. 
Most material will dry in this press in less than twenty-four hours 
though very succulent plants will require a longer time. If the press is 
turned over every few hours during the early part of the drying period 
Fig. 2.—Box Raised on Edge to Show Construction. 
The inside dimensions of the box are 181% by 15 inches. The sides are ten 
inches high, open at the top and bottom. Sockets for electric lights are 
placed three inches from the bottom, and the rack on which the press rests 
is three inches from the top. 
The press is made from one inch boards, 124% by 18 inches. Canvas 
straps with friction buckles are provided at either end as illustrated. 
Note the loose boards which are used for a floor at sides of press when 
only a small quantity of material is being dried. Photo by M. W. Gardner. 
