PLANTS 73 



them under pressure quickly and thoroughly, to label them 

 properly, and to pack the specimens for shipment with care. 



For digging plants of ordinary size a small pick is best, and 

 for cutting branches from trees and shrubs a sharp knife is 

 essential. A collecting portfolio of some sort must be provided 

 also, to .keep the specimens from wilting before being placed 

 in the press. The simplest kind is one made of two pieces of 

 rather stiff cardboard measuring 12 by 17 inches, each with slits 

 near top and bottom toward either end, through which a pair 

 of stout cords are passed. The bottom of the portfolio is thus 

 readily adjustable to the number of specimens obtained, and the 

 top can be kept closed by tying together the free ends of the 

 cords. For convenience in carrying, a shoulder strap may be 

 placed beneath the cords. If so desired, a more elaborate lattice- 

 like portfolio may be made out of thin, slightly flexible wooden 

 slats about an inch wide, criss-crossed at right angles and made 

 fast by small nails properly clinched. Within the portfolio place 

 sheets of newspaper, folded once so as to measure 11 by 16 inches. 



Probably most of the material to be collected will consist of 

 flowering plants. These are classed as herbaceous or woody. Of 

 the former, which include many plants that do not have showy 

 blossoms, collect only those having flowers or fruit, in addition 

 to leaves; if you can obtain both, so much the better. Except 

 in very special cases, do not collect plants bearing leaves only, 

 for such material is hard to classify and is mostly of little value. 

 Plants 3 feet high or less should be collected entire — roots, stem, 

 foliage, flowers, and fruit, and if too long for the folder, they 

 may be bent sharply in the form of a narrow V or N, to ac- 

 commodate them to the collecting sheet, a free space always 



