1893 ] . D. Prain — Methods of preparing Botanical Specimens. 153 



II. CERIANTHINE2E. 



The Geriantliinese are distinguished from other sea-anemones (R. 

 Hertwig, ' Challenger, ' Reports, vol. vi, p. 123) in having the septa 

 unpaired. 



Cerianthus, Delle Chiaje. 



7. Cerianthus andamanensis, n. sp. 



The body is loosely encased, up to the outer tentacular crown, 

 in a soft sheath of a dull cinnamon-brown colour, the oral disk between 

 the two crowns of tentacles is of the same colour but lighter, and 

 the tentacles with the central part of the oral disk are creamy white. 



The tentacles of the outer crown are very thick-set, and number 

 about 160 ; those of the inner crown are not nearly so thick-set, and 

 number hardly half as many. 



The septa and mesenteric filaments extend to the bottom of the 

 gastral cavity. 



The base is perforated centrally. 



Three specimens from Port Blair. In the contracted state the 

 shape of the body is beautifully caryophyllaceous, and the length of 

 the largest specimen is a little short of four inches — (99 millim.) 

 This species appears to be very close to Cerianthus americanus, Verrill, 

 which it aproaches in size, judging from the magnitude of the spirit 

 specimens. 



Note on some methods of preparing botanical specimens, communicating 

 Memoranda by Messes. 0. Maries, P.L.S., and R. Pantling. — By 

 D. Prain, M.B. 



[Read June 5th. ] 



Usually the preparation of botanical specimens is easy ; some na- 

 tural families, however, give a good deal of trouble. Those who have 

 private herbaria are as interested to hear of improved methods of treat- 

 ing sach families, as are those who look after public collections. The 

 writer, therefore, would call general attention to modes of dealing with 

 thre,e troublesome families — Magnoliacese, Goniferse and Orchidaceee. 



I. Magnoliace^}. The Champak family is not troublesome to pre- 

 serve as to the leaves, but the flowers are apt to go to pieces. If, however, 

 pieces of blotting-paper are carefully insinuated between the petals 

 before the specimen is laid in drying-paper, and if the specimen is then 

 rapidly fire-dried, even adult flowers may be preserved entire. Nothing, 

 however, prevents the shrinkage of the large leathery petals. In this 

 order shrinkage is so excessive and so unequal, that in the case of 



