6 
BRITISH FERNS. 
descriptions of species, but ample directions as to 
their various modes of cultivation. 
Another method of preserving ferns is in the her¬ 
barium ; and of all plants they seem best to stand the 
process of drying, and to lose less of their original 
colour and beauty of form than any others. 
To those who have not already made dried botanical 
collections, we would give the following simple direc¬ 
tions for their guidance. Before you leave home, 
procure one of the Botan¬ 
ist’s Portable Collecting 
Presses, which have been 
specially prepared by Mr. 
Bogue* for the use of col¬ 
lectors, and which will be 
found admirably suited 
for the purpose. These 
presses consist of a pair 
of boards, between which is a book of botanical drying 
paper. By means of the straps a uniform pressure 
may be readily obtained. They may be had in three 
sizes, price ys. 6d., 8s. 6d., and 10 s. 6d. each. In 
gathering the ferns, cut them as low down the stem 
as possible, and in small specimens get up the radix 
if you can. In putting them to dry in the blotting- 
paper, have respect to the natural position of the fern, 
and also to the size of the sheet of paper on which 
they are to be finally placed. When the fronds are 
* 3 St. Martin’s Place, W.C. 
