Appendix E 397 



student's attention very effectively to the vast extent of varia- 

 tion in wild and cultivated plants. Since variation is the basis 

 of artificial selection as well as evolution in nature, it is highly 

 important that considerable time and attention should be given 

 to this study. 



Material. A botanical collecting case, 20 blotters, 12 X 18 

 inches; 50 mounting sheets, 12 X 18 inches; 50 labels, and glue. 



The accompanying photographs represent specimens treated 

 as above (Figs. 104 to 107). The following directions may be 

 given to each student : 



Directions for collecting, pressing, and mounting an herbarium of 



variations 



1. Search for fluctuations, plateations, mutations, and bud- 

 variations of plant characters which have been discussed in the 

 lectures. 



2. Collect as nearly the whole plant as practicable. The 

 size of the mounting sheets is 12 X 18 inches. When you collect 

 your specimens plan upon this size of sheet, and arrange them 

 accordingly when you are putting them into the blotters. 



3. Do not mount large, woody branches showing different 

 degrees of thorniness, etc., upon the mounting sheets, but pre- 

 serve them in bundles properly labeled. 



4. If you wish to show variations of berries, such as thorn- 

 apples, etc., dry the fruits and fasten them to the mounting sheets 

 by threads. 



5. Leave specimens in the blotters until they are thoroughly 

 dry. If you do not have enough blotters, take out the speci- 

 mens which have been in the blotters for a week or more, and 

 put them between pieces of newspapers, under pressure, until 

 they become thoroughly dry. Then dry your blotters near a 

 radiator and put in the fresh material. 



6. After the specimens have become thoroughly dry, stick 

 them to the mounting sheets, preferably with glue. Put a small 



