672 MANUAL OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



length, from nineteen to twenty inches in circum- 

 ference, and five inches in depth, of an oblong de- 

 pressed form, convex externally, the curves of the 

 opposite sides being similar. It should have a strong 

 handle at one end, and open on the upper surface by 

 a lid thirteen inches long, fastened, when shut, by 

 means of two hooked wires sliding into tin sheaths. 

 It is generally advantageous to have a small com- 

 partment at one end, about an inch and-a-half in 

 depth, in which labels may be kept ready for attach- 

 ing to plants, or small specimens may be preserved 

 separately. This case should have a couple of tin 

 bands placed along one of the sides, to permit a 

 leather strap to be passed through, for the purpose of 

 of slinging it across the back. The next size which 

 is useful for ordinary walks, or for short excursions, 

 and is adapted for being carried in the hand, is fbur- 

 fourteen inches long, five inches wide, and two and- 

 a-half inches deep, and has only a handle at one end. 

 The third should be small enough to go into the 

 pocket, and the upper surface may be concave. 



3. A Field-book, which is merely a portable port- 

 folio containing absorbent paper, and secured by a 

 couple of straps. Flaps of oiled-silk or other thin 

 water-proof material, should be attached to either 

 end, and along the inner edge of one side, for the 

 purpose of protecting the contents from wet. This 

 is employed for preserving small and very delicate 

 plants, or flowers which are deciduous or fade 

 quickly, which may thus be spread out and pressed 

 immediately on being gathered. 



