PRESSING WILD FLOWERS 131 



When the drying-sheets are placed over the 

 plant, the white ray-florets will then receive 

 equal pressure with the disc. If such flowers 

 are pressed in the ordinary way, the disc 

 breaks, and the florets of the ray, through re- 

 ceiving little or no pressure, become shriveled 

 and brown. 



Some botanists advise twenty-four hours 

 pressure before the first change of the drying- 

 sheets, while others give twelve as the correct 

 interval. The truth is that ''circumstances 

 alter cases. " Most yellow flowers and dry 

 plants such as Buttercups and the wiry little 

 Sandworts may be left quite safely for twenty- 

 four hours. Other plants should receive at- 

 tention after four to twelve hours if you wish 

 to preserve as much of their color and beauty 

 as possible. When once the drying-papers 

 have become damp, no good can result from 

 leaving the plants between them. Damp 

 papers turn Eoses and Cranes ' Bills and white 

 flowers brown, and mildew very quickly makes 

 its appearance. The two secrets of successful 

 pressing are: (1) natural arrangement, and 

 (2) frequent changes of the drying-papers. 



