/^w io Collect Plants. 7J 



The gentleman promised to save for me all other specimens that 

 he might take. Now this phenomenon is new to me ; but possi- 

 bly not so to other of your readers who are better versed in 

 " mouseology." 



Will some of them inform me whether these animals have been 

 noticed before, and, if so, what are the accepted conclusions re- 

 garding them ? Carl C. Marshall. 



Arcata, Cal., January 31st, 1887. 



HO W TO COLLECT PLANTS. 



In forming an herbarium, much time and labor may be saved if 

 one knows the methods that have been adopted by others, after, 

 perhaps, much vexatious experience. Having been favored with 

 personal instruction from such eminent botanists as the late Dr. 

 Engelmann, Dr. C. C. Parry, C. G. Pringle, the " prince of col- 

 lectors," D. Cleveland, Esq., and Dr. Asa Gray, I have been 

 saved from some errors that the amateur is likely to fall into. For 

 this reason, and in answer to requests, I will endeavor to give my 

 methods and experiences in the field. 



What is wanted should be first understood. When possible, 

 the whole plant, root and branch should be secured, with the 

 leaves and flowers and fruit. This is easy in the case of annuals, 

 where all may be combined in one example ; but with perennials, 

 specimens must be procured at different seasons, and care should 

 be taken to collect each time from the same tree, or locality at 

 least, when possible. In the case the whole plant may not be 

 taken, as complete a series of the younger and older leaves, the 

 flowers, the fruit, the wood, bark and root should be made as may 

 be practicable, and such as are not suitable for the herbarium may 

 be kept in cabinets. 



Herbarium specimens should not be too large for a sheet of 

 paper 11)^x16^ inches, though, for convenience, many use 

 sheets 12x18 inches, because of paper being cut to that size. If a 

 plant is too tall, it may be bent or doubled up so as to occupy the 

 required space only, as in the case of grasses, ferns and other 

 plants. 



^ Never be afraid of having too much of any kind. While a few 

 specimens of common plants will answer, if one wishes to exchange 

 with other collectors, he will require a great many examples, and 

 in case a new or rare species is found, he will want a much greater 

 number. Still, three examples if complete will answer, if not con- 

 venient to make more, but less should never be taken if io be had. 

 One should never duplicate however if in so doing, he is apt to fail 

 to secure something which he might otherwise collect. 



