10 INTRODUCTION. 



exact researches at leisure ; (e) for the comparison of species 

 with species, genus with genus, etc. 



4. Apparatus. For collecting botanic specimens, a strong 

 knife for digging and cutting is needed, and a close tin box, 

 fifteen inches in length, of a portable form. Enclosed in such 

 a box, with a little moisture, specimens will remain fresh a week. 



5. Specimens for the herbarium should represent the leaves, 

 flowers, and fruit and, if herbaceous, the root also. Much 

 care is requisite in so drying them as to preserve the natural 

 appearance, form, and color. The true secret of this art con- 

 sists in extracting the moisture from them before decomposition 

 can take place. 



6. The drying-press, to be most efficient and convenient, 

 should consist of a dozen quires of unsized paper, at least 11x14 

 inches folio ; two sheets of wire-gauze (same size) as covers, 

 stiffened by folded edges ; and three or four leather straps a 

 yard in length, with buckles. When in use, suspend this press 

 in the wind and sunshine ; or, in rainy weather, by the fire. In 

 such circumstances, specimens dry well without once changing 

 But if boards be used instead of wire-gauze, the papers must be 

 changed and dried daily. Succulent plants may be immersed in 

 boiling water before pressing, to hasten their desiccation. 



7. The lens, either single, double, or triple, is almost indis- 

 pensable in analysis. In viewing minute flowers, or parts of 

 flowers, its use cannot be too highly appreciated. Together 

 with the lens, a needle inserted in a handle, a penknife, and 

 tweezers are required for dissection. 



8. The compound microscope is undoubtedly a higher aid 

 in scientific investigation than any other instrument of human 

 invention. It is like the bestowment of a new sense, or the 

 opening of a new world. Through this, almost solely, all our 

 knowledge of the cells, the tissues, growth, fertilization, etc., is 

 derived. The skilful use of this noble instrument is itself an art, 

 which it is no part of our plan to explain. For such informa- 

 tion the student is referred to the works of Carpenter and Quekett, 



9. On the preparation of botanical subjects for examination we remark briefly. The 

 field of view is necessarily small, and only minute portions of objects can be seen at 

 once. The p;\r:s are to be brought under inspection successively by lhe movement* of 



tin: sl.-i^iv 



