REPORT OF THE STATE BOTANIST 1 904 



4f 



Picea canadensis (Mill.) B. S. P. 

 Lake Pleasant. June. The white spruce occurs sparingly in 

 various parts of the Adirondack region. All of our spruces as well 

 as the hemlock drop their leaves from the drying branches in con- 

 sequence of which it is difficult to prepare satisfactory herbarium 

 specimens. I have tried in various ways to overcome this diffi- 

 culty and have inquired of many botanists both of this country 

 and of Europe if they could tell me how to prepare specimens of 

 these branches so that they might retain their leaves. Recently 

 Mr William Richards gave me a recipe which was intended to 

 meet this difficulty. It was taken to a druggist who prepared a 

 sufficient quantity for trial. As soon as opportunity was given, 

 specimens of suitable size both of the white spruce and the black 

 spruce were taken and treated according to directions. The 

 result has been quite satisfactory. The specimens have dried and 

 retained their leaves to the present time. The color of the leaves 

 is slightly affected, but the specimens are far more satisfactory than 

 the bare twigs with leaves placed in packets by themselves. For 

 the benefit of any who may wish to avail themselves of this 

 method of preparing specimens of this kind a copy of the recipe 

 is here given. 



Recipe 



For the treatment of fresh herbarium specimens of spruce and 

 hemlock trees to prevent the leaves from falling from the twigs, 

 alum 500 gr. 



salt 125 " 



saltpeter 60 " 



potash 300 " 



white arsenic 100 " 

 Dissolve in 1 quart of water, cool and filter. To 1 quart of this 

 solution add 4 quarts of glycerin and 1 quart of alcohol. 



Immerse the fresh specimens in this mixture, letting them remain 

 in it at least 48 hours. When taken out wash away any excess of 

 mixture adhering to them with warm water. 



After the external moisture has evaporated the specimens "may 

 be placed in drying papers and put in press in the usual way. When 

 thoroughly dry they may be mounted on the herbarium sheets and 

 placed in the herbarium. 



Prunus americana Marsh. 

 This species of wild plum is common in the vicinity of Albany. 

 It blossoms a little later than Prunus nigra. Its calyx 

 lobes often terminate in two or three minute teeth. 



