7^ Wes/ American Scientist. 



The scientists requires that a specimen shall show all the char 

 acters of a plant as fully as possible. Select in the field the best 

 and most complete individuals, and "so arrange them on the 

 sheet, that they will be as pretty as a picture," but never sacrifice 

 their completeness ior the sake of beauty. 



For the field, a portable press of boards or iron frames covered 

 with wire cloth, secured with two or three straps, is the most con- 

 venient and serviceable. This should be 13x19 inches in size, or 

 a little larger than the size of the paper used. Wrapping paper 

 may be obtained and cut into sheets 18x24 inches, and folded, and 

 when the specimen has been selected in the field, it should be 

 placed between the sheets without delay. The plant may be with- 

 ered, injured or lost, if one waits till he reaches a more convenient 

 place. Driers may be placed between the sheets of plants for the 

 immediate absorbtion of moisture, and should be changed as often 

 as may be, twice a day at first, until the plants are completely 

 dried. These driers should be 12x18 inches; carpet- felt or any 

 absorbant paper — even newspapers, several thicknesses together 

 will answer for this purpose, and should be dried when taken away 

 from the plants that they may be ready again for use. 



In making a specimen, note down immediately on the sheet en- 

 closing the plant, the date of collecting, the exact locality, the 

 character of the ground where found, and any other facts that may 

 be observed in connection with the same. This is always very 

 important, and one should never delay for fear of either forgetting 

 or becoming confused after making a large collection. 



To dry a plant quickly is very desirable, as the colors are then 

 better preserved; with a hot sun one may dry out small plants, 

 grasses, etc., in a single day in a wire press without driers between 

 the sheets, and if time is precious and a plant has been in press a 

 few days till it is perfectly wilted, it may be laid in the sun without 

 any pressure, protecting the papers from the wind by stones placed 

 at the corners. But one must use his judgment in this, as only 

 certain plants can be treated in this manner with safety; many will 

 curl up and be spoiled if not under pressure. 



Certain plants, like cactuses, aquatic plants, fungi, mosses, and 

 sea-weeds, require peculiar treatment. 



Grasses are among the easier dried, and should always be pre- 

 served entire, as all of ours may be by folding the stems, showing 

 inflorescence, stem, leaves and root It is best to collect at differ- 

 ent seasons, so as to secure both flowers and seeds. 



In returning with the spoils of the field, catalogue every species 

 fully, give it a number to be restricted to the specimens of the 

 same species from the same locality, under which each example 

 sent to others shall be designated, and by which they shall always 

 be known. Never dziplicate a Jiumber, 



