PEESEEVATION FOR THE HERBARIUM. 335 



Under each species I have given an account of the best mode 

 of cultivation, but I have said nothing of preserving specimens 

 for the herbarium. In the first place, I would observe that all 

 specimens selected for preservation should be as perfect as 

 possible. Let no one imagine that a portion of a frond, or an 

 immature frond, or the frond of a seedling plant, or a deformed 

 frond, or a frond in any respect monstrous or abnormal, can 

 fairly represent a species. I regret to find a necessity for mak- 

 ing the observation, that the majority of herbarium specimens 

 which I have seen are, from one cause or other, untrue repre- 

 sentatives of the species. From indulging a disposition to col- 

 lect the curious, we are too apt to fall into the great error of 

 neglecting the simply true. When practicable, fronds, caudex 

 or rhizome, and radicles should be preserved ; but, if this be 

 impracticable, at least have the frond entire, from the extreme 

 apex to the extreme base of the stipes, taking especial care that 

 none of the scales be removed. Colour is a grand desidera- 

 tum, and can only be retained by the use of Bentall's paper. 

 I have taken great pains to introduce this paper among bota- 

 nists, and have invariably found them delighted with the result. 

 Indeed, I do not hesitate to say, that before this paper was 

 made there were no well-preserved collections of ferns, and 

 now there are very few badly preserved. There should be a 

 sufficiency of paper used to avoid too frequent changing ; but 

 I have always found it desirable to make the first pressure 

 a very Hght one, and of short duration, because any alteration 

 in the arrangement of the divisions of the fronds are readily 

 accomplished whilst still flexile. No change takes place in 

 the most deUcate tints, if two sets of paper are used, one dry- 

 ing while the other is in the press. 



