41 



picture-framers' binding strips, and the sheets then laid together 

 and bound around the other three edges. If it is desired, the 

 xylonite and cardboard may be separated by narrow strips of 

 Bristol-board of appropriate thickness. Such an apparatus is 

 somewhat pliable, very durable, light and highly protective to the 

 specimen temporarily placed therein. 



Specimens to show points of morphological interest may be 

 mounted directly on cards of any desired size, labelled according 

 to wish, then covered with xylonite and bound with paper strips. 

 I have found 6^"x8^" photographers' mounting cards very 

 useful and a good convenient size. Specimens showing adapta- 

 tions of various kinds, of smaller plants such as mosses, liver- 

 worts, lichens and the like, may be thus mounted at small cost 

 in a^quantity of duplicates. These may then be used repeatedly, 

 effecting an immense saving of time and energy to the teacher 

 who has now always at hand plenty of the choicest material, it 

 a little effort is once made to collect the best specimens available 

 and to mount them properly. Pressing and drying is made quick 

 and easy by the method devised by Rostowzew, and recently 

 described by Richards.* 



Such preparations will stand an enormous amount of wear 

 and tear ; are, in fact, practically indestructible. It is wise to 

 fasten the specimens well on the cards, strips being used if neces- 

 sary. To an ingenious teacher this method of handling specimens 

 will be susceptible of many useful modifications. Xylonite may 

 be obtained from dealers in general laboratory supplies and 

 probably from dealers in photographic materials. 



Teachers College, Columbia University. 



*Torreya, i: 145. D. 1901. 



