220 
The Ohio Naturalist. 
[Vol. II, No. 5 , 
on the outside of the package, numbers only enclosed with the 
specimens. Contributions are earnestly solicited. 
To make exsiccata, or dried specimens, for the herbarium is a 
very simple matter, and I suggest a method of procedure for the 
benefit of those who may be interested in this phase of the work. 
If the Alga is a large one, for example a coarse filamentous pond- 
semn (Spirogyra), or very branching form from running water 
(Cladophora), place a small portion of the material in a basin of 
water. Then insert under it a piece of writing paper (book 
paper is not satisfactory, it must be sized), say three inches square 
or perhaps 2)4 x 4 inches, and very slowly bring it to the surface 
of the water, in the meantime gently spreading out the Alga over 
it so as to show advantageously and naturally on the white paper. 
For this a camel’s hair brush will be found useful, particularly 
for spreading the more delicate filaments. When the paper is 
lifted and drained of the excess of water, the Alga being spread 
satisfactorily, it should be laid in the plant-press or put between 
folds of paper under pressure to dry ; but first spread over the 
specimen a piece of muslin (do not use a new piece of cloth), 
or worn-out handkerchief will serve as well, thus preventing the 
drying papers from coming in direct contact with the Alga. The 
next day when the mounted specimens are examined, it will be 
found that the Alga adheres firmly to the paper, the covering cloth 
being easily removed. 
But for the smaller specimens, and especially for the colonies 
of gelatinous or slimy forms, it is preferable to use smaller pieces 
of mounting paper, and let the Alga dry without pressure. That 
is, put a small quantity of the Alga on a piece of paper, leaving 
it exposEd till all the water evaporates, when the specimen will 
remain attached. Small pieces of mica are preferable for such 
mounting, since when later the material is moistened to remove 
a portion for study and microscopic examination, the remainder 
is less disturbed than might be the case when paper is used for 
mounting. I usually mount specimens on both paper and mica ; 
on the former the mass shows to better advantage. 
Those who wish to make a careful study of our Algse will 
scarcely find a good pocket lens sufficient even for general exam- 
ination. But a compound microscope with a comparatively low 
objective will be quite satisfactory. To study the various kinds 
of spore formation and modes of reproduction would be as inter- 
esting as it is difficult, but beginners and amateurs need not by 
reason of this hint anticipate insurmountable difficulties. 
The accompanying plate, will give a general though crude idea 
of the variety of forms that are comprised in the greater portion 
of our Algological flora. The delicacy and beauty of the numer- 
ous species can only be realized when one enters upon their 
enthusiastic study. 
