42 
FERNS AND FERNERIES. 
papers and iron with hot iron until all the moisture has 
been extracted, using a very hot iron at first, and less 
so as the frond gradually dries. This is necessary, for if 
the extreme heat was equally used, at the termination 
of the process the frond would have a scorched appear¬ 
ance, whereas with gradual heat most of the delicate 
tints are well preserved. 
In making a good collection of ferns, the habitat, date 
of collection, name, soil, etc., must be written on a small 
label and placed at the bottom left-hand corner of 
each separate sheet. The most convenient size for the 
sheets is twenty by twelve inches. After the fern has 
been well dried, it must be lightly brushed over with 
a strong solution of gum-arabic, placed gently in a 
natural position on the paper, and subjected to pressure. 
Examples of both barren and fertile fronds must be 
mounted on the same sheet, if possible, together with 
any important character of the root, stem, or fruit (see 
figs, i, 2, c). These are best placed on the left-hand 
side of the paper. 
If the cost is not an object, these specimens keep 
better, and are also more convenient, when stored in a 
