H2 THE BOOK OF NATURE STUDY 



a full description of what has been observed and of the chief 

 features of interest will be of use to bring the facts together and 

 for future reference in teaching. 



When the form of parts of the plant is complicated it may 

 be found helpful not merely to draw the object from several 

 points of view, but to model it. The preparation of modelling 

 clay known as plasticine is readily obtained and serves admirably 

 for this. 



Although the making of a collection of dried plants is not in 

 any way a chief end or object in such studies as these, some well 

 chosen specimens will be found of great use along with drawings 

 and notes for future reference. While drawings must be depended 

 on for details of the flower and fruit, such features as the general 

 appearance or habit of the plant, the arrangement and shape of 

 the leaves, the branching and the structure of the inflorescence may 

 all be shown in a well-arranged dried specimen. It will be found 

 useful if, without making any haste to amass a collection, specimens 

 are carefully selected and preserved of each plant that is studied. 

 To assist the student in doing this, a brief account of how to dry 

 plants may be given ! 



Careful selection should be exercised to obtain an individual 

 plant which shows as many as possible of the characteristic 

 features clearly. It should be brought home without crushing or 

 injury, and arranged so as to display the parts naturally on a 

 sheet of drying paper. There is a special kind of absorbent paper 

 sold for this purpose, but sheets of thick blotting-paper do ad- 

 mirably, and ordinary newspaper may be made to serve. The 

 sheets should be of good size ; 17 inches by n inches is ample. 

 It is essential that the paper should be thoroughly dry, since the 

 object is to absorb the juices of the plant quickly. Having ar- 

 ranged the specimen on the sheet, beneath which should come 

 half a dozen similar sheets, it is to be carefully covered with 

 another sheet of paper. Upon this come several other sheets, and 

 then, if desired, another specimen, and so on. When the pile is 

 complete it should be subjected to light but steady pressure. 

 This is best done by enclosing the papers between two boards or 

 wire frames, placed above and below the bundle and held in position 

 by a strap. Books or bricks can be piled upon the upper board, 



