HINTS ON COLLECTING, &C. 
are required for the Herbarium, each should be carefully placed between three or four sheets of porous paper 
(Bentall's Botanical drying paper is the best) and subjected to gentle pressure. The paper should be changed 
daily, until the specimen is thoroughly dry. It is then fit for mounting, a process which must be left to the 
taste of the student. 
The following method I have myself used with success. When the Mosses are quite dry, I place each 
species in a small pocket or envelope, and write the name, locality, habitat, and date of gathering on the 
outside. The pocket containing each species is then gummed along the top edge on a quarto sheet of toned 
paper, and those of each Genus are placed in a wrapper of thick, coloured cartridge paper ; and the name of 
the Genus is written on the left hand lower corner of the wrapper. 
III. The Season for Collecting. — This cannot be better described than " all the year round." It need 
scarcely be said that a specimen of a Moss is not complete without the fruit. Many species are to be met with 
at all times, but the majority have their special seasons, and no period of the year is without its representative. 
The student will therefore do well to pursue his investigations throughout the year. In winter and 
early spring Mosses are in the greatest perfection, probably from there being the greatest amount of moisture at 
those times. Some few Genera produce their fructification in the autumn and winter months, then die off, and 
are seen no more until another generation appears in the following season. 
IV. How to Set to Work at Examination, &c. — A beginner should dissect some large specimen, such as 
Polytrichum commune, Hypnum rutabulum or Funaria liygrometrica, noting all the characteristics from the root 
upwards, following the type given him in the descriptions in this work. The best and safest method of 
observing the plainer differences is to examine the plants under a common lens, supported on a stand, or 
better still, under a compound microscope with a 2in. objective. 
The dissection should commence with the stem, by making a horizontal and vertical section. This will show 
the cellular formajtion. Next the branches should be examined with regard to their position and connection with 
the stem. Then the leaves must be detached. This operation is best performed by holding the branch or stem 
in the left hand with the forceps, and stripping the leaves off, backwards and downwards, with the help of the 
dissecting needle. Great attention should be paid to this part of the examination of the plant, as generally the 
stem leaves, branch leaves, and perichajtial leaves present different forms in outline and cellular character. 
The organs of Inflorescence must then be sought for, and it should, be particularly noted whether they 
are terminal or axillary. 
Then follows the examination of the Capsule or urn, as to position, structure, and shape. Afterwards 
the Calyptra or veil must be removed, and its shape and structure carefully noted. This must also be done with 
regard to the Operculum or lid. Lastly, in order to obtain a clear view of the Peristome or toothed fringe round 
the mouth, and Annulus or ring round the inner portion of the mouth of the Capsule, I have found the easiest 
method is to fasten the Capsule, with a very fine entomological pin, on a piece of cork covered with white paper, 
then to cut it transversely imm ediately below the mouth with a sharp scalpel or dissecting needle, and to wash 
it well in a little water with a fine camel's hair brush, to get rid of the spores which oftentimes attach 
themselves to the teeth. When this is done it may be transferred to a glass slide with a drop of water, putting 
on a thin glass circle or square. The remaining portion of the Capsule may be placed on another glass slide, and 
the spores pressed out with a dissecting needle, so that their shape and colour may be seen. 
With these few hints, and with the help of the Plates of the Genera, the student will, it is hoped, find 
but little difficulty in discovering, at least, the Genus to which his specimen belongs. 
