PRESSING WILD FLOWERS 129 



fully, for jerky, rough pulling or unequal 

 strapping may undo much of the previous 

 work. Never pull either strap to its tightest 

 while the other is unbuckled. Secure one 

 first, then the other, leaving both rather slack 

 and taking care that the papers do not slip. 

 Next tighten the first strap and after this the 

 second, and put the press in a safe place. The 

 pressure should not be too great at first, for 

 while plants are soft and full of sap they are 

 very easily bruised. It is hard to say just 

 how much should be applied, for it varies ac- 

 cording to the kind and number of plants you 

 are pressing. Stiff and tough plants need 

 more than delicate ones and a big pile more 

 than a little one. Forty pounds is usu- 

 ally none too much ; and more will be required 

 for a very full press. The foot is a handy in- 

 strument for applying pressure and the straps, 

 if pulled tight, will generally hold it well 

 enough until the time for changing driers. 

 But plants shrink somewhat in drying and the 

 straps will, of course, not follow up this shrink- 

 age. If you wish to be doubly sure of even 



