NOTES FOR FIELD BOTANISTS \ &c. 13 
Note-books with numbered detachable pages, so that the description 
of each specimen can be separated afterwards ; consecutively numbered 
and perforated labels for specimens, the numbers to correspond to those 
in note-book. The labels may be joined to the pages of the note- book 
or in sheets like postage stamps. More than one label of each number 
will usually be needed. 
Collecting and Preserving. The following hints 
will be found useful. 
Decide the general object of the work in advance, and collect 
principally for the furtherance of that object. 
In collecting for subsequent distribution, collect enough specimens 
to go round easily, but do not in any case exterminate or seriously 
diminish any plant in its native locality. 
Do not collect immediately on arrival ; first become familiar with 
the plants and their local features and distribution. Better results are 
obtained by choosing certain localities as headquarters and working 
these thoroughly, than by rushing through a large district and changing 
headquarters frequently. 
Do not collect herbarium material in wet weather. 
Collect specimens which are as typical as possible, but also take 
some illustrating the range of variation, the difference of habit and size 
on different soils or situations, &c. 
Collect entire plants where possible, including roots. In case of 
shrubs or trees, collect twigs with leaves in all stages, portions of stem- 
bark and anything else necessary to furnish a complete description. Do 
not forget radical leaves, buds, flowers, ripe and unripe fruits, seeds. 
If a large collection is being made, it is quicker to use the portfolio 
than the vasculum, and to press each specimen as soon as obtained. 
Large flowers or heads (e.g. thistles), fruits, roots, tubers, &c. may 
be sliced in half before pressing, or the surface only sliced off. Notes 
and sketches should be made of the original appearance. 
Leaves of Conifers, Heaths, small Succulents, &c. fall off when 
dried, unless previously immersed for a few seconds in boiling water. 
Thorny and prickly plants should first be placed between boards and 
pressed down with the feet to crush the prickles, which would otherwise 
tear the papers. 
Delicate water plants should be arranged upon sheets of white paper 
under water, and always remain on these sheets while drying. 
It saves time in drying delicate specimens to keep each always in a 
folded sheet of very thin paper. 
Place extra flowers, small fragments, seeds, etc., in small envelopes, 
numbered to correspond with the specimens ; do not have any small 
parts loose, or confusion may result. 
Place all specimens to be dried in the press the day they are 
collected. Withered plants may be soaked in water ; if the stem be 
cut about 2 — 3 inches above the former cut and under water it will 
often revive quickly. 
Label every specimen with its consecutive number in such a way 
that the number cannot be lost. Punched labels are best, tied on with 
thread. See that all envelopes &c. have the same number. 
