THE HERBAHIUM. 



Those who are anxious to make the most of then- 

 botanical studies will find it of great advantage to 

 gather and preserve specimens for reference. A few 

 hints, therefore, on this subject will not be out of place. 

 It will, of course, be an object to collectors to have 

 their specimens exhibit as many of their natural char- 

 acters as possible, so that, although dried and pressed, 

 there will be no difficulty in recognizing them ; and to 

 thia end neatness and care are the first requisites. 



Specimens should be collected when the plants are 

 in flower, and, if possible, on a dry day, as the flowers 

 are then in better condition than if wet. If the plant 

 is small, the whole of it, root and all, should be taken 

 up ; if too large to be treated in this way, a flower and 

 one or two of the leaves (radical as well as cauhne, if 

 these be different,) may be gathered. 



As many of your specimens will be collected at a dis- 

 tance from home, a close tin box, which may be slung 

 over the shoulder by a strap, should be provided, in 

 which the plants may be kept fresh, particularly if a 

 few drops of water be sprinkled upon them. Perhaps a 

 better way, however, is to carry a portfolio of conveni- 

 ent size— say 15 inches by 10 inches— made of two 

 pieces of stout pasteboard or thin deal, and having a 

 couple of straps with buckles for fastening it together. 

 Between the covers should be placed sheets of blotting 

 paper, or coai'se wrapping paper, as many as will allow 

 the specimens to be separated by at least five or six 

 sheets. The advantage of the portfolio is, that the 



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