26 



COLLECTING AND PRESSING FERNS. 



layer of the article which you intend to use on a square of glass or piece of board. 

 Lay your specimen upon it, and press it gently, so as to get the whole of its under 

 surface lightly covered with the adhesive matter. Then lift it again, and lay it on 

 your mounting paper, and press it firmly till it adheres securely. You must, of course, 

 have one page perfectly dry before proceeding with the next ; or you will have the 

 pages sticking together, and the book should be kept in a thoroughly dry place, as 

 otherwise damp may cause the leaves to stick. Another way is to lay your frond on 

 the page and secure it by weights. Then spread the adhesive matter on a thin piece 

 of flat zinc or knife blade, and slip it under each part in turn, working it to and fro a 

 little. Then, as you withdraw the zinc, that part falls on its place and sticks there. 



