76 collector's manual 



lightly with flake naphthalene and tied snugly in bundles of 

 about 50 each between tough flexible cardboards, ready for 

 shipment. It is essential that the packages be securely wrapped 

 and stored in a dry place. The naphthalene serves not only to 

 keep out destructive insects but to prevent injury from mildew 

 and bacteria as well. 



When none or only a part of the equipment just mentioned is 

 available, makeshift apparatus must serve the purpose. If a 

 portfolio cannot be made, a closed container of some sort, such 

 as a rigid cardboard box, will serve admirably to carry plants 

 for short collecting trips. Press ends and straps may be dispensed 

 with also, if in their place a piece of strong board (12 by 17 

 inches) and a flat rock or other weight of 30 to 40 pounds are 

 available. In fact, if the specimens are not too bulky, the 

 follow-up pressure of the heavy weight may be better than the 

 slackening pressure exerted by straps. Blotting papers for use 

 as driers are, however, nearly essential. To a limited extent 

 newspapers (several thicknesses placed together) can be used 

 instead; but they do not absorb or give off moisture readily. 

 Old newspapers, cut neatly to folders measuring 11 by 16 inches, 

 make excellent collecting and specimen sheets. Incidentally, 

 place the folded edge at the left and write the serial number in 

 heavy lead pencil at the lower right-hand corner. 



At the time a specimen is put in the press, all essential data 

 regarding it should be recorded in the collector's notebook under 

 the same number. Of first importance, naturally, are the locality, 

 general region or country, altitude above sea level, date of 

 collection, and name of collector. But many facts that will not 

 be apparent when the specimen is received at the museum are 



