FROND GATHERING 
105 
the disarrangement in the parts of which cannot sometimes 
he readily seen by the unaided eye. 
A fresh set of drying sheets should now be used, the 
fronds laid carefully upon them — two or three sheets of paper 
between each — and the whole — enclosed in the boards — put 
under moderate pressure in a copying or other press, or in 
a press extemporized by using two smooth but thick and 
heavy hoards and some heavy weights. At the end of a 
short period — say the next day — the fronds should again be 
removed, placed once more, after rectifying any accidental 
disarrangement of parts, between fresh sheets of paper — the 
old sheets as disused being dried for subsequent use — and 
put into the press for another day. This process should be 
continued a few times until the fronds are thoroughly dry. 
The period will depend upon the kind of fronds, and their 
more or less succulent or herbaceous character. On a 
journey where a press cannot be easily extemporized, a sub- 
stitute can he provided beforehand in the shape of a couple 
of very thick and heavy boards of oak or elm, with cross- 
pieces, dovetailed at each end to keep them from warping, 
and very thick and strong leather buckle-straps. 
From the press the transfer to the portfolio is an easy 
process. And here arrangement must he left in a great 
measure to the taste of the collector. A few suggestions 
may, however, he of service. When Ferns have two kinds 
of fronds — barren and fruitful, specimens of each should 
be obtained, and it is desirable to have two specimens of 
the fronds of every species, so that front and back may be 
shown side by side, the front being generally distinguished 
by greater depth and richness of colouring, whilst the back 
has its arrangement of spore-cases and their coverings. The 
order of arranging the fronds should be according to genera, 
and in a portfolio, provided with guards, and containing 
stout sheets of whitepaper. The specimens should be lightly 
