34 BOTANICAL GAZETTE. [ April, 
from the paper the impress remains with all its delicate tracery, faithful 
in color and outline to the original. . 
To get the best results, however, several points must be carefully 
noted. Get a quarter or half pound of dark green ink, which is put up 
in collapsible tubes costing from 50 cents to $2 a pound, according to 
quality. As sold it is invariably too thick for this purpose, and should 
be thinned by adding several drops of Balsam Copaiba to as much ink as 
may be taken on a salt spoon. Much depends on the proper consistency 
of the ink. In inking, the leaf is apt to curl on the roller, but it should 
part readily from it. In case it sticks tightly, the ink is too thick. Take 
care that the ink js evenly distributed on the glass and roller, as it is — 
essential that each part of the leaf receives an equal coating of ink. Tf 
the leaf is large, ink it part by part, keeping the roller supplied frequently. 
A roller three inches long, costing 40 cents, will answer for all small 
leaves and branches of plants (clean the roller with benzine after using). 
If the leaf is finely veined the lower surface makes the better print, but — 
if the veins are coarse and large the upper surface may be used. If 
the specimen is fleshy or brittle, allow it to wilt until it becomes more 
pliable, or, if necessary, it may be pressed and dried first. In most cases 
the best copy is obtained after taking one or two impressions, as the leaf 
takes the ink better after several applications. A good quality of unsized 
paper that is made slightly damp by putting in a cellar several hours 
before using is best for general work, but in other cases well sized paper 
will take a copy that will allow a jilictype (may I coin the word ?), to 
bear inspection side by side with a good lithograph. I find a little 
press very valuable in making the impression, especially if the leaf is at 
all coriaceous. If it be soft, it should be covered with a few thicknesses 
of newspaper. If it is irregular in thickness, paper may be laid over the 
