36 WILD FLOWER PRESERVATION 



needle in two, and thrust the broken end of 

 the pointed half into the hole." 



10. A Nature Note-book and Pencil. The 

 former should be of exercise-book shape, bound 

 in cloth. It will cost 15 to 25 cents. A loose- 

 leaf note-book is still better. See Chapter III 

 for further details. 



11. Botanical Press with double Strap. A 

 Botanical Press consists of two flat, oblong 

 boards of equal size and thickness, a little 

 larger than your mounting paper, and a num- 

 ber of sheets of drying-paper to fit them. The 

 whole is kept in place by a double strap which 

 is tightened or loosened according to the num- 

 ber of plants and drying-sheets in the press. 

 Such a press is easily made at home. Well- 

 seasoned wood must be bought for this pur- 

 pose, and it should not be less than \ in. in 

 thickness. Cut it to the required size, bevel 

 the edges slightly and sandpaper the whole un- 

 til it is as smooth as possible. If the wood is 

 white or of very light color it should be stained 

 a darker shade, for light wood shows the least 

 soil. Presses should never be varnished or 

 polished. Wood that has to be constantly 



