A Method of Illustrating the Trees 



J. E. KiRKWOOD. 



University of Montana. 



As an aid in the presentation of tree botany, or for museum 

 purposes, the preparations described below have been found very 

 satisfactory. Their cheapness and attractiveness in addition to 

 their utility suggest that they may be generally helpful. Origi- 

 nally designed by the writer at the University of Montana for the 

 University's exhibit at the State Fair, they have since been found 

 of large practical value in the class-room, and their description 

 is submitted herewith in order that teachers elsewhere may have 

 the benefit of the suggestion. 



Each preparation illustrates one species, and consists of a 

 wall frame containing a card on which the illustrative material 

 is mounted under glass. The outside measurement of the frame 

 is 26^ by 3'H inches. For this purpose 1 by 3 inch lumber 

 dressed down to f by 2^ inches will make up well. The material 

 may be pine or other clear stuff of good quality, and should be 

 treated to two coats of Jap-a-lac of the desired color. A shade 

 of medium oak does very well. The frames can be put up by a 

 carpenter, or at any convenient factory at a verj' nominal cost. 

 The frame thus constructed should take glass and card 22 by 28 

 inches, which is a standard size. The card used may be pho- 

 tographers' plain mount board of a dark gray color. 



The materials which enter into the exhibit may be obtained 

 at little cost. Some of them may be contributed by pupils as 

 part of the work of the laboratory or field. The following is 

 suggested as a useful list, but it may be modified in various ways : 



1. A full-sized herbarium specimen of the species, showing 

 leaves and flowers and fruit where practicable, mounted on good 

 herbarium paper. 



2. A seedling of the species. These may often be found 

 without difficulty in the woods, or in some cases may easily be 

 grown. They should be dried under pressure as in the case of 

 herbarium specimens. 



3. A map showing distribution. A convenient size is 9^ 

 by 7 inches. I have used the outline maps of the United States, 

 sold by the Cambridge Botanical Supply Company. With the 

 margin removed these are about the right size. Upon such a 

 map may be traced the approximate limits of distribution of a 

 species within the United States, and the areas enclosed tinted 

 w ith a wash of green water color. 



39 



