20 AMERICAN FERN JOURNAL 
Mostiy InTERROGATIONS.—-A novice in fern col- 
lecting, like any other hobby, fad, or pastime, naturally 
gropes around for condensed information and reliable 
assistance along the special line selected; and like the 
mercantile shopper wants the most of the best for the 
least, in the shortest and easiest way; and usually gets 
what he goes after if average judgment is used in the 
acquisition. 
Lacking much that appeared essential in fern lore 
and herbarium methods I have taken much time and 
some trouble to absorb and digest about eight or ten 
volumes of the “Fern Bulletin” and “American Fern 
Journal” which were handed to me for perusal by @ 
former subscriber to both; all of which I must say I 
intensely enjoyed as it only whetted an already sharp- 
ened appetite for the subjects in question. 
But the items which I was specially interested in 
failed to materialize. I found, however, one thoughtful 
editor (I think it was Prof. E. J. Winslow) who said 
in his inaugural address, “if you do not know, please 
ask questions, as most of us like to be questioned.” 
That gentleman certainly understood the require 
ments of a novice, and I shall follow his kindly advice 
and ask a few. 
First, what is considered the best way to press ferns? 
What amount of pressure is thought to be desirable, 
and how most easily applied? What advantage has 
felt over paper for press driers, and what size is usually 
used? Will good carpet felt answer? How long should 
a fern remain in press before changing driers? Are 
slats, say one inch apart, on top and bottom of pres. 
considered better than plain boards, and why? Can 
anyone manage to press Athyrium thelypteroides, Onoclea 
sensibilis, or Athyrium Filiz-foemina without discok 
oration, and how? That will do for this time, but 
may return again for help; I will not, however, ask 80 
much without returning at least a little. — 
