BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [38] 



occupy the middle of the lower edge of the sheet. In the case of very 

 small plants, several specimens are needed properly to represent each 

 plant. The lower half of the sheet may lirst be occupied and after- 

 wards, if additional specimens are obtained from other localities, they 

 can occupy the upper half, with the labels under them in the middle of 

 the sheet. 



In fastening down the labels it is not best to gum the entire surface, 

 as they will then roll up, warp, and assume a wry position which can 

 never be cured afterwards. This can, it is true, be prevented by imme- 

 diately putting that corner of the sheet into a clamp and leaving it there 

 till dry, or by using heavy weights, but this is generally difficult or im- 

 practicable where a large number of labels are to be put down at one 

 time. By gumming only a narrow portion of the upper margin of the 

 label there will be no warping, and I recommend this plan. It is proper, 

 however, to state the objection to it, which condemns it in the eyes of 

 some. This is, that in handling the plants one is apt to take hold of the 

 loose portion of tbe label and tear it oft'. I have never yet torn one, 

 and do not think the objection serious, but at least it need not be, if the 

 sheets are manipulated with the thumbs and near the middle, in the 

 manner described a few pages back. If j)ains are taken in putting 

 down the label to have its outer edges fall a trifle inside those of the 

 sheet, there will be no danger of ever taking hold of the label. 



PEEPARIN& CRYPTOGAMS FOR THE HERBARIUM. 



The directions given for preparing flowering plants for the herba- 

 rium will largely apply to the preparation of cryptogams, but several 

 of the groups require additional manipulation. Many small plants, 

 such as mosses, liverworts, parasitic fungi, and lichens, are best x>ut 

 in envelopes or pockets, which can then be attached to the regular 

 herbarium sheets. These pockets, which should be of various sizes, 

 may be made by folding a piece of paper so that the under part shall 

 project about three-quarters of an inch beyond the ujjper; then fold 

 the projecting part over the other, making the top of the pocket. 

 Then turn under the right and left edges for a distance of three- 

 quarters of an inch, and press firmly so as to make permanent creases 

 when the paper has been folded. The pocket is attached to the sheet 

 by a small spot of strong glue in the middle of the back. The label 

 should be attached on the top of the pocket. These pockets may be 

 made of different sizes to accommodate various specimens. 



In some cases it may be found an advantage to use herbarium sheets 

 of a smaller size than the regular herbarium sheet, as they can be 

 more easily handled and are less likely to be injured and will occupy less 

 room in the herbarium. But if the collection is likely to be very large 

 it will probably be better to use the regular herbarium sheets, which 

 can then be phiced in proper order in the general herbarium. 



