200 BOTANICAL GAZETTE | SEPTEMBER 
they can be cared for suitably, and to prove in time a very 
important part of the equipment. Though some of the best 
botanical work has been performed entirely in the herbarium, 
there has long been a growing conviction that for certain groups 
of plants, even for purposes of description and _ classification, 
field observation is absolutely necessary, while it is self-evident 
that for all studies of biology living material is essential. Side 
by side with the herbarium, then, and virtually as a part of the 
same general collection, stands the experimental garden, with 
the greenhouses and other appliances. 
While many of the most useful studies are made with but 
few aids beyond the library and collections referred to, there IS 
a large class of subjects now being closely followed by some of 
the keenest investigators which demand a special instrumental 
equipment. However it may be with library and collections, 
there seems little doubt that as a rule apparatus should, be 
obtained only as it is needed for direct use. Except for the © 
rotting of the bindings observed in the libraries of manufactul- 
ing cities, and where illuminating gas is used, books, when on 
classified and indexed, are easily and cheaply kept in a usable 
condition. If a few simple rules are followed, herbarium re a4 
rial is also preserved safely for generations at a very small cost; 4 
and even sections and specimens in fluid, if properly preserved - 
in the first place, may be kept for many years without ge 
deterioration. Instruments designed for research, as a gen" 
thing, represent a considerable sum of money, since, exceptils 
microscopes, microtomes, and balances, they are rarely a 
numbers allowing a great economy in the labor of manufac : 
ture. Each of them is also, unfortunately, with few except eal 4 
calculated for a restricted class of experiments and likely 
to be greatly modified. Apparatus, moreover, is usually 
delicacy of adjustment calling for the greatest care in bee ge 
it and the most perfect protection possible against rusting; ST 
so that as a general thing a case of instruments te 
merely a historical curiosity, in part entirely out of ©é 
the rest so badly out of order as to be nearly oF quite 
of a 2 
