FROND GATHERING 
103 
as objects of study when transferred to the folio after 
preservation. As there are varying periods of the year for 
the arriving at maturity of the fructification of different 
Ferns, it would not of course be possible in one tour extending 
over a limited space to gather all at the same stage. But by 
collecting throughout the summer and autumn during suc- 
cessive years, whenever the opportunity occurs, a complete 
collection of fronds, secured at the right season of growth, 
could be obtained. But as objects of beauty to the collector 
fronds grown to their full size, with or without their fructifi- 
cation, will always be an acquisition to the Fern portfolio. 
And now as to the manner of collecting and preserving 
fronds, and the aids to be employed in the process. First of 
all it must be borne in mind that the object of the col- 
lector is to preserve the colour and entire form of the frond in 
a dry state. On starting, therefore, on a frond-gathering 
expedition it is necessary to go provided with a quantity of 
thick absorbent paper in large single sheets. The best for the 
purpose is botanical drying paper, of which there are several 
kinds manufactured. The object of its preparation is to 
exclude any chemical substances which may act injuriously on 
the colouring of the fronds. The supply of this paper to be 
taken on a collecting tour must depend on the number of 
fronds to be secured. It will be desirable, however, not to 
attempt to get too many at one time. Fifty single sheets, of 
about eighteen inches long by twelve wide, will perhaps be as 
many as can be conveniently carried. The size mentioned 
is suggested as sufficiently large to include average- sized 
specimens of most of our native Ferns. For the larger kinds 
a larger-sized paper can be used, although for convenience 
in carrying and in arranging in the portfolio or herbarium 
it will be better to take portions only of large fronds. 
The sheets of botanical paper should all be cut to one size 
and secured between a couple of boards of the same size. 
