128 WILD FLOWER PRESERVATION 



beginning to curl, tiny strips of blotting-paper 

 will be useful for treating the parts separately ; 

 but if the plant is fairly fresh the paint-brush 

 is generally enough, and each segment can be 

 stroked open as the upper sheet descends upon 

 it. 



You will want two pairs of hands at first, but 

 a little practice will soon give the knack of the 

 method. A book may sometimes take the place 

 of your left wrist, and long adhesive strips can 

 be used to hold the snippets down. 



When the plant is covered by the upper 

 page of the folder, place two driers on it. 

 More should be used over and under thick and 

 wiry or very fleshy plants. 



Another folder is now laid on these driers 

 and the next plant arranged in it. Build up 

 your pile carefully and see that no slipping 

 occurs. 



When all the flowers have been pressed in 

 the same manner, place the upper press board 

 upon the top of the pile. Arrange the straps 

 on the floor ; lift the pile onto these and secure 

 the press. This needs to be done very care- 



