i8 



extermination while many others are rapidly becoming scarcer 

 as a result, very largely, of picking; second, that there are various 

 common wild flowers, some of them ordinarily classed as weeds, 

 which are quite as showy as their more sensitive relations and 

 which can be utilized for decorative purposes with equal effect, 

 but which can be picked freely, without the slightest danger of 

 decreasing their abundance in the wild. 



The plants comprising each collection are to be pressed, dried, 

 mounted on herbarium sheets of standard size, and labeled, ac- 

 cording to directions which will be provided.* The specimens 

 are to show stem, leaves and flowers; but they are not to include 

 the roots. Each collection is to be accompanied by a list of the 

 species represented, giving both common and scientific names. 

 The relative merits of the various collections are to be judged and 

 the prizes awarded with reference, first of all, to the discrimina- 

 tion shown in selecting the kinds of plants to be included. There 

 should be fifty species, no more and no less. Assuming, as the 

 primary requisite, that only those flowers are included which can 

 be picked without endangering their continued abundance in 

 the wild, these should be chosen further with particular reference 

 to their decorative value as cut (or picked) flowers; so much so 

 that they may fairly be recommended as appropriate substitutes 

 for various native wild flowers which need to be protected. A 

 second point to be considered in judging the collections will be 

 the neatness and care shown in the preparation, mounting and 

 labeling of the individual specimens, and the accuracy shown in 

 their determination. Credit will also be given for the inclusion 

 of any original ideas which may be in harmony with the spirit 

 of the contest. 



All collections are to be sent to the Osborn Botanical Labor- 

 atory of Yale University during the week between Christmas and 

 New Year. The awards will be announced at the annual meeting 

 of the Connecticut Botanical Society, early in 1927, and the col- 

 lections will be placed on exhibition at that time. At the close 

 of the competition, all specimens will be returned to their owners. 



So much for the details of the competition itself. The present 

 article is being written with the intention, in part, of ofi^ering 



* Detailed directions, together with a copy of this paper, can be secured for 15 

 cents (stamps) from the Corresponding Secretary of the Connecticut Botanical 

 Society (Mr. A. E. Biewitt, 71 Eastwood Ave., Waterbury, Conn.). 



