336 DIRECTIONS FOR COLLECTING, ETC 



laying down process is done in this manner : First 

 wash the sea-weed in fresh water ; then take a plate 

 or dish; cut your paper to the size required, place it 

 in the plate with fresh water, and spread out the 

 plant with a good -sized camel-hair pencil in a 

 natural form — -a porcupine's quill will be found 

 useful in disentangling the branches (picking out 

 with a pin gives the sea-weed an unnatural appear- 

 ance, and destroys the characteristic fall of the 

 branches, which should be carefully avoided) — then 

 gently raise the paper with the specimen out of the 

 water, placing it in a slanting position for a few 

 moments, so as to allow the superabundant water to 

 run off; after which place it in the press* The 

 press is made with either three pieces of board or 

 thick pasteboard. Lay on the first board two sheets 

 of blotting paper ; on that lay your specimens ; place 

 straight and smooth over them a piece of old mus- 

 lin, fine cambric or linen ; then some more blotting 

 paper, and place another board on the top of that, 

 and continue in the same way. The blotting paper 

 and muslin should be carefully removed and dried 



