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RENOUF, PUBLISHER 189L ^a '^ '^^- PerifiQ/hoj^ hr Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada, in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one, by E. M. Rbnouf, in the Office of the Minister « f Agriculture. "Witness" Printing House, Montreal. -r^r =>« rilEFACE. The following pages have been written in response to an evident want respecting the methods of collecting plants and forming a herbarium according to a uniform standard as based upon the best practice. The object in view has been to meet the requirements of pupils in the public schools and students in college, and, for this reason, certain subjects are touched upon which otherwise might seem somewhat out of place here. While in no sense directed to the needs of the professional collector or of botanists who have already gained considerable experience in the field, it is hoped that the suggestions offered may not be wholly without value for them. Attention has been given only to those methods, forms of utensils and kinds of material which, in our experience and judgment, have the best claims to consideration. There is, therefore, in some cases, oi)portunity for the exercise of individual tiiste and judgment, based upon the general prin- cij)les laid down, and guided by experience already gained. D. P. P. AfonfrenI, Amjvxf, 1S91. m fV Intr( Impl] Meti The Presj Mow Labei Cases The 1 Samp] J'Ij wfc- . >■ r : .A^.. CONTENTS. PAor Introductory ..... 9 Implements jo Methods of Collecting . ... 33 The Use op Names 45 Pressing . . eo 00 Mounting g^ Labels and Arrangement 79 Cases and Preservation gy The Use and Treatment of Specimens . 93 Samples of Labels and Paper . . .101 m h. CHAPTER I. INTIiODUCTOliY. i I. INTUODUCTOKV. For several years it has been customary, in conneetion with the legiUar course of Botany in McGill University, to give at its conclusion, one or two lectures on the methods of collecting plants and forming a herbarium. This material is now embodied in the present volume, which, it is hoped, may prove of service in securing a much desired uniformity of method among teachers and collectors. For professional collectors, those wlio have already had large experience in the field, and are, therefore, independent of special direc- tions, the suggestions given can be considered w ^ p V- III I 10 BOTANICAL COLLECTORS ClUIDE. of value only so far as they insure uniform practice. The rules liere laid down are to be re^^arded as liaving special application to teachers of schools who, for various reasons, may not have had opportunities for gaining a know- ledge of the proper recpurements of making a collection, and to amateurs and students who feel that some special guidance will be of service: Upon the cliaracter of tlie training given, and the methods employed by teachers in tlie various prepai'atory schools, must largely depend tlie ultimate success of the university course whicli the i)upil eventually takes in a given subject. If the methods of the school are not in liarmony with the best recognized practice, tlie work there accomplished nnist be undone at the university before its methods can take full effect. But the impressions received at school are always tlie more List- ing, because gained at a more receptive age : hence the difficulty of undoing what has been BOTANICAL COLLECTORS GUIDE. 11 Liiifonn igarded ;hers of ay not , kiiow- luaking biulents will be r given, s ill the larocly vorsity akes in scliool :>gnizcd 1 must lethods ■essioiis e Inst- ve age : as l>eeii improperly done is very great, and tlie labor of the higlier teaching is very apprecial)ly augmented. It is therefore of tlie first importance, in order that all the various stages of a study may be prosecuted by a pupil,eachin harmony with the others, that some recognized stand- ard be adopted at the outset. It is hoped tliat, so far as the study of plants is con- cerned, this object may be secured by what is contained in the following pages. The study of botany, as of other natural sciences, properly begins in the school, where it should be made, first of all, a study of natural objects, and secondarily , of a tex t-book. Because botany takes the pupil to Nature, teaches him to see and reflect npon what he observes, it has always been held as, and still enjoys the reputation of being, one of those sciences which, pre-eminently, is adapted to cultivating the powers of observation in the young. Tlie faculty of observation is an inherent I ( it' I I 12 liOTANICAL COLLECTORS iiVWK. one; it is tliat whicli ,i;ivos to tho, infiint its first knowledge of tlu; tliiiiu's about it, and inider normal conditions of environment it continues to accpiire strenu;th, but under the imnatural conditions of eiUication in wliicli a child is too often })laced, tliis faculty is (hdled, and, in far too many cases, wlioUy destroyed. Therefore, unless tlie power of ol)servation has l)een destroyed by prcivious l)ad traininj^' or neglect, it is the duty of the teacher to take cout before the teacher, the parent is re- sponsible, and it would be well were such natural guardians to realize that the undue rei)ression of natural curiosity in a child is likely to stunt and idtimately destroy one of the most valuable gifts of Nature. In teaching botany, then, no restriction jint its it, iiiid iiciit it ler the wliicli iilty is wl lolly rvatiou rjiinini>' 'her to herself )urage- til the estah- is re- Lj such undue hild is )y one 'iction HDTANiCAL ("OLI.KCTOK' S CI'IDE. l.S should ]»e i)lared u])ou the stud}' of actual s])(!('ini('iis, l)ut these should he su))]»liod as freely as ])ossihle. Wlieii g'oiug into the field, ac({uire the hahit of iusjK'cting every- thing hy the way, a hy no means ditheult task. Little hy little the hahit grows until nil effort disa|)])ears, and unconsciously the mind al>sorhs whatever comes within the riinge of vision. ()l)jects which esca])(^ the ev(! of the untrained ol>server are recognized with ease. From the outset, adopt the prin- ciple of making your ohservations close and accurate. For such data as are to he used in the future, and upon which accuracy of state- ment depends, a note-hook should he carried in the pocket and made free use of, and this can safely V^e done without its implying any reflection upon the strength of one's memory, since it is to l>e kept in mind that data of any kind, to he of scientific value, must he wholly free from doubt. Therefore, while in the field, while the i)lant is yet in its natural environment, make a careful note of ^rr rrr U r,OTANTCAL COLLECTOll S CiUIDE. ;i! ■ iM sucli facts as cannot be represented in the dried specimen, and place against each plant-description thus made, a reference number. A little experience in the field will show one that different plants have very different habits, both as to mode of "rowth and environment. So well defined is this that the experienced collector may, from nn inspection of dried specimens or from a general knowledge of the habits of plants, determine in what sort of situations they are most likely to be found. He is therefore able to direct his search for particular species with the least loss of time and labor. Again, the same species, in its wanderings, will sometimes be found in very diverse situ- ations, and probably exhibit corresponding variations. Therefore soil, moisture, expo- sure, associated species, are all of more or less value, and are to be looked upon as important factors in distribution of the species. No detail of environment is too li : I ■ a BOTANICAL ('OLLECTOU S (il'IDE. 15 in the it each iference 11 show iiflerent th and lis that *oni on from a plants, ,hey are lerefore species Again, ^s, will 36 situ- Donding !, expo- [lore or ipon as of the is too trivial to be noted, as one can never tell wlien apparently uniniportanl facts may ])ec()nie of tlie ^i^reatest significance, or the extent of the value which may uhimately attach to tliem. I would therefore say to all tliose wlio are conuuenciiig the study, as well as to those who are working more or less at random, decide upon ii thorougli and system- atic course of procedure, and follow it out persistently and conscientiously to the end keeping in mind tliat the discipline thus gained will not only [)repare you for success as a ])otanist, if you eventually take up that study as a profession, but that it will also l)e of the Lireatest service in wliatever Held of lahor you may finally decide to cast your lot. It becomes then a question, not so nnich of the particular knowledge; you may have gained, Imt the habits of thought, of methodical, intelligent, persevering eft'ort you liave acquired. ^ CHAPTER II. IMPLEMENTS. , I 11. IMPLEMENTS. The implements required by the collector are few and simple, and, within certain limits, may be selected according to indi- vidual taste and judgement, as determined by circumstances. Knife. — For the purpose of cutting branches and other hard, woody specimens, and in some cases for trimming up softer plants, a good stout pocket knife is essential. Any good knife with one large and one small blade, of a size adapted to the hand of the collector, may be chosen, but it should h :ept best steel is always the cheapest, though it may cost a 20 BOTANICAL COLLECTOK*S (lUIDE. trifle more at the outset. The vexation of a blade wliich will cut only one or two specimens l^efore it requires to be sharpened, is an experience the collector cannot afford to repeat at frequent intervals. Individual taste, however, will here find ample scope for its exercise in the style of implement to be selected. Trowel. — The great majority of specimens require to be extracted from the earth in such a manner as to preserve, intact, all parts below the surface of the soil. Plants growing in loose, sandy soil may be easily pulled up without injury, but not so with all. In many cases the essential part, like tubers or bulbs or tuberous roots, are buried to a depth of many inches, frequently among the roots of trees and shrubs or under stones. To attempt their removal without a proper digging instrument, is to gain a plant which has lost a large part of its value for purposes of study and comparison. A common garden trowel may be employed, but the E. BOTANICAL COLLECTOU S GIUDE. 21 ation of or two iirpened, )t afford dividual >le scope plement ►ecimens 3arth in tact, all Plants e easily so with rt, like buried T among : stones. proper t which urposes oinmon 3ut the cuiulnous cliaracter of such an implement, as well as its awkwardness in certain situ- ations, places it beyond tlie consideration of most collectors. The most suital>le imple- ment for the purpose is one of the fol- lowing : — (rt.) A narrow trowel as in figure 1 , hav- ing a stout, narrow blade \\ inches wide and Gi inches long, provided with a stout liandle. Such instruments can be obtained for about 75 cents each. Figure 1. Figure 2. (/>.) A trowel knife as in figure 2, usually known as the fern knife. This implement lias a blade of uniform width, 1 \ inches wide and 7 inches long, terminated Ijelow in a rounded end and above by a flat handle of the same width. The blade, in cross section, is slightly curved and so ground as to give 22 BOTANICAL COLLECTOR .S (JUIDE. a cutting edge on the two sides and end. This implement is the l)est for the purpose and may be obtained at the same cost as the preceding. Whicliever is eliosen,it will l)e found best to carry it in a leather sheath hung on a leather belt not less than li-2 inches wide, which will also serve as a base to which other imi)lements may be secured. ' If lichens are to be collected, there will also be needed a cold chisel and a geologist's hammer for the removal of such as grow upon rocks from which they cannot be separated. , For fresh water algie a dipping net with a close mesh is essential, and a wide mouthed bottle of about eight ounces capa- city, fastened to the end of a stick, will be found most useful. Many sea weeds may be secured ])y the dipping net. Others have to be searched for in a boat and secured either with a dip- ping net or dredging hooks whicli are con- IIOTANICAL COLLKCTOKS (iUIDK. 2'> roiiioiitly unuU' by .s(»cmiu<^ four vcivy lar^e lish hook'H to Ji l(!ii(l sink(»r of iilxml. four [xmnds weight. In iniiny cjisos also, it will )i! found luicessjiry to luivo a pair of wading |:K)ots, which will protect the person as far as tlic waist. Collecting Box. — For the transport and nese* . tion in transit, of the specimens Collected, a suitable l)ox is reipiired. This liould be as light as is consist(;nt with proper capacity, while its dimensions must be such is will adapt it to the length of average ipecimens and the reception of as many [)lants as are likely to be collected during m average day's outing. The box used by the author for twenty years, and now employed by the students >f McGill University, and here introduced [is perhaps the l)est in all respects, has the following dimensions : — End elliptical, major axis 8 inches, minor Lxis 6 inches : total length 21 inches, divided nito two compartments. 24 HOTANK'AL CDLLECTOK S CI'IDE. ^I'l li Liu<,^(^ ('oiiipiii'tinoiit, leiigtli 18 inches, f'(>v(a\ lO.l iiiclu's loiiu", 7 iiiclu'S wide. SiMiill eoinpaitmeiit, length .'> inches, cover, 2 2 x 5^ inclies. Each end of tlie hox on tlie upper side (see fig. l^) is provided witli a strong ring loosely insertt!d,into which may he canght the snap of an ordinary extension shonlder strap. The covers fasten on the u])])er side l)y a lip and tongne. Any good tinsmith can niake such a, hox from the tignre and description given, and if made in (pianlity, should not cost more than two dollars. Fijjure 3. The hox may he constructed with only one compartment if so desired, hut the BOTANICAL COLLECTOll's flUIDE. 25 siimller will be found of particular advan- tage in the collection of delicate plants or of ruck lichens, those which would l)e inj'ured l)y or injure the specimens in the lar^'cr eompartnient. The increase of weight is tiiHino- while the advantages are nianv. The cover should extend nearly tlie entire length of the principal compartment, and open to nearly the full width of the box, in order that plants may be laid in full length witliout unnecessary l)ending or l)reaking. Of course many specimens will l)e unavoid- ably longer than the box. These sliould l>e carefully broken at such points as will adapt tliem to the mounting sheet, and tlien placed in tlie box. As the box reaches what a})- pears to be its full capacity, additional [plants laid on top and pressed down steadily by tlie cover, will readily find a place within and without damage; and each time tlie jcover is lifted it will be found that there is idways room for one more specimen. A ]»ox [of the fy so doing one takes tlie best niean.s J securing the al)sorption of tlie lieat rays, and thus one of the principal objects for wliich the box is constructed, is neutralized with consecpient injury to the specimens. If| paint at all is desired, white should be em- ployed. The heat rays will thereby be re- 1 fleeted most completely, and the contents of| the box kept cool and preserved from injury ]5ut it is far better to leave the tin in its! natural condition. False pride and senthnentj have no place in the mind of a student oil science, and the sooner such ideas arc] eliminated the better. If it is now explain- ed upon what principle tlie box preserve?! iiiiii BOTANICAL COLLECTORS GUIDE. 97 tlie spociniens in a fi'c.sli state, the reasons tor the Jiheve statements may a])peai' more (»l)vions. The aL,^gre<^ation of many plants in a re- latively tight box, secures the best condit ions for the retention of such moisture as they ('(jiitain. But more than this, when plants I are placed in darkness, as in a close box, the fiiuction of transpiration is laru,'ely arn^sted, liciice, specimens collected under suitable I conditions will retain their freshness in the l»ox for many days. I'lants like the sow thistle {So/ichus), live-forever (PorfKlarra), stone-crop (Scchun) and (jthers of similarly [succulent character and persistent vitality, will not only keep fresh, l)ut will blossom laud go to seed in the box. On more than [one occasion I have had such ])la,nts come nut of the box perfectly fresh, at the end of [two weeks. On the tramp, the l)ox should l)e s(^ hung l»y adjustment of the shoidder strap, which [tasses over the left shoulder, that it will 'i nn - i^^^^^Kf t ^H ■K B ' , . .! 1 in 28 liOTANICAL COLT.ECTOH's flUIDE. 3il : Hi,j liano- (li agon ally across tlie small of the back. In this position the arms and hands arc perfectly free for all that may be re- (juired of tliem, while a ditch may bil jumpiul or a fence vaulted without the least] inconvenience. When a specimen is gath- ered, the ])ox is swung to the front, the| cover opened, the plant placed within, cover closed and the box swung l)ack into its position, all with the least effort and delay. | From tliese statements it will l)econie ol>vi- ous why the covers must oj^en on the upper] side of the box. For the analysis of ilowers, some form of| magnifying-glass is necessary. If this worl were to ])e done wholly in the house, thil best possible instrument for the purposti would be a regular dissecting microscope] which can l)e obtained at prices ranging fron| five to twelve dollars or more. Where mud work is to be done, particularly in studyin* grasses, ferns, mosses, etc., such a microscoptl is essential. In any case a pocket lens ol liOTANICAT. COLLECTORS OUIDE. 21) iiKxlerate magnifying power will l)e needed. And here there is much ()[)[)()rtunity for per- sonal choiee. The recpiirenients to be met are convenience of size, ease in nsing, and a magnifying power of ten to fonrteen diiime- ters. Among the many glasses kept l)y all opticians and most book dealers, it will always be easy to select an instrnment adapted to one's taste and purse. In our own experience we have found nothing better than the glass known as tlie linen tester, so called from its a[)plication to the determination of threads in fabrics. Figure 4. Figure 4 shows one of these glasses oj)en ^is in use, and closed as carried in the pocket. The instrument is obtainable in [three sizes, ranging in price from fifty cents 30 BOTANICAL COLLECTOR S GUIDE. . ill to one (lolljir and one-lialf. The suiiill size will l)e found sufficient for most purposes. In this, tlie focal lengtli of tlie lens is three- fourths of an inch, witli a nia<^nifyin<^ power of ten diameters, which is ([uite am])le| for most purposes. The aperture in the| lower leaf should be fully one-half inch in diameter and s(piare. Special advantages of| this lens ov^er tlie ordinary forms, are to Ix' found in its compactness and in the fact that, when in use, botli hands are (piite free foi I such work in dissection, as may l)e required of them. Dissecting needles are readily made l)y driving a stout needle into a pen handle, the metal liolder of which has bee]i| filed ofi' so as to form a ferule. m ■»-w,^ CHAPTER III. METHODS OF COLLECTING. l!!li IK Ill m ¥■ liii ITT. METHODS OF COLLKCTIN(J. There is no particiibir lime for the u^jitlier- iii<^^ of pliiiits, provided tliey eiuhrjicc all the elements of eomplete specimens, exeei)t tluit they should not l)e collected when wilted by a hot mid-day sun, nor when tliey are loaded with heavy dew. One .ujuiding principle should serve as the l)asis of all collections. A plant to be of future value for purposes of study, must l)e e()iiq)lete, i.e., it nnist embrace root, stem, leaves, iiowers and fruit. Under certain circumstances it is not possible to realize the iileal specimen. Of trees and shrul )s, only a small branch with characteristic leaves, HI lill nil iiiii ! ;i Illli iiiiiai! ifllil ) 'Hill :h I50TANTCAL COLLFXTOU S fJUIDE. flowers and fruit can be taken. The rest must lie su])j)lie(l l)y the n()t(!-lH)(>k. Most Iierl)ar(H)us plants can l)e taken entire and ultimately mounted without Jiiiy mutilation of parts. Others, aj^aiin, as the tall orasses, may he adapted to the herbarium sheet by ben(lin<^ them l)aek Jind forth, once or twice, at such points as may be necessary. Of very tall herl)aceous plants like Lactuca, Mulgedium, some species of Solidago, Aster, etc., portions only can be taken, lait here care nnist be em[)loyed. In many such cases tlie root leaves and the stem leaves are tot.'dly difTerent, and the s[)ecific distinction nuiy rest wholly or in part upon just this diiierence. Hence it is important to note such variations and see that they are repre- sented in the specimen. Many plants perfect their fruit lon<;- after the iiowers have past, others produce their | flowers l)efore and fruit with the leaves, while others produce flowers and fruit i simultaneously. Care must be taken, there-! BOTANICAL COIXECTOK S fiUIDE. ic. rest Afost r(^ Jiud ilalion ;,'i'iis,seH, eet by ■ twice, y. Of 3tuca, dago, eii, hut IV such ACS are iiiction ist this note repre- [y^ after e tlieir leaves.! 1 fruit , there- 1 fore, wlienever practicable, to collect these various parts, each in proper season. The student must keep prominently in mind tlie important fact that plants are ^atliered and a herbarium is formed, not for the purpose of bringing together ol)jects of beauty wliich may be employed to interest a few friends on the occasion of social gatlierings, ])ut for the express pur})oses of innnediate and future study and reference. Just in proportion as the si)ecimens are perfectly or imperfectly collected and pre- pared, will the value of the herbarium be measured. Every specimen should l>e of such a nature that fiftv or one hundred, or any number of years hence, a total stranger could take it and correctly deter- mine its character. It used to be the common practice to encourage school children to collect simply a Hower, with possibly a leaf, under the impression that such was a botanical speci- men ; and it is to be regretted that sucli 'M\ BOTANICAL COLLKCTOR S (iHIDR. m\ W] i !|i:i'!, t practice finds altogotlier too much encour- ii^'oiiiciit at the present day, due chiefly, perhaj)S wholly, to ignorance on the part of the teacher of what is re(iuisite in a s[)eci- nien. Such specimens are rarely analysed, ])ut are mounted on small sheets of paper, the names are ohtained from some one who knows them, l)ecause it is too troul)lesome and difficult to find out for oneself, and the classification is allowed to take its chances. It is unnecessary to point out that such specimens do not in any way meet the oltject for which they were collected, that they have no scientific value, and tluit the time, labor and material expended upon them are an almost total loss. It is (piite as easy t(j collect . , proper as an improper specimen. In li.e first case, every moment spent is profitably employed, the collector receives constant encouragement from the consciousness of work well done, while the orderly habits thus engendered are of the greater: benefit as a discipline of the mind. nOTANICAL COLLKCTOUS (II'IDK. •>► u In the sticond case, the tiino spent is wusted, the collector soon ev]»erieiices discourage- iiKUit at witnessing obvious failures, and the ellk't upon the mind (piickly becomes evident ill increased shiftlessness and want of pur- pose. These remarks are not made with a view to discouragement ; on the contrary, the ainl)itious student should take them as so many steps to better deeds, and once the young collector is fairly launched in his work, he will discover that tliere is no more fascinating employment for both body and mind, giving to each ample scope for the most active, while each success makes the study more attractive than before. It happens, however, that the most com- plete specimen may be wanting in some of tlie details essential to its final description. The flowers may fade in drying, white may change to black, the height is not repre- sented by the partial specimen secured, peculiarities of environment are never repre- ■■i % t '■ 38 BOTANICAL COLLECTOR'S GUIDI^.. sented. All these details should he carefully entered in the note-hook for future refei'ence, and liere it should he again pointed out that memory can never l)e wholly relied u})on for details upon which the accuracy of future descripti(jns may in any way depend. Memory plays curious freaks, and he would ha^'e a most extraordinary mind who coukh from day to day, collect a multitude of similar details and, later, apply tliem accurately to their appropriate ohjects. Facts gathered for scientific purposes must he so recorded tliat all question of doul)t is eliminated, for where such douht arises the fact 1)ecomes worthless. The importance of these pre- cautions will hecome evident in the light of experience, even if they are not accepted at first. With the local collector, plants are descrihed or analysed when Tresli ; hut with the pro- fessional morphologist who is engaged in descrihing thousands of plants from all parts of the world, places which in all probahility BOTANICAL COLLECTOFIS (lUIDE. r.9 lie lias never visited, such a iiuxle of ])r()('e- (lur(} is inaiiifestly inip(»ssi}>le. Under such circunistances lie takes tlie (h'ied specimen, 1111(1, l>y means of Ijot w.ater, so softens the various parts as to render analysis antl description not only possible, but quite simple. In these circumstances, the notes made by the collector in the field are of the lirst importance. It is in this way that such works as the r>otany of Califoriua ])y Watson, the Flora of New Zealand by l[(»ok(;r, and all other similar works have l>ccn and are prepared. Having collected the specimens as de- s('ril)ed, no special care is needed in their transport under ordinary circunistances, since the box provides amply for all conditions usually encountered. When tramping on a very hot day, however, the effect of the heat may be felt in the interior of tlie box, when the contents may wilt. A small (juan- tity of water sprinkled upon the plants from lime to time, will avoid all ditticulty. Ill jli'll Hill 40 BOTANICAL COLLECTORS (iUIDE. nil f'i 4' nil ill When the collector rcjiches the place where his i)l{ints are to he pressed, his first care is to (leteriniiie liis s})ecies. With practice, tliis l)ecoines continuiilly easier, until, l)ef()re long, reference to the genus, or at least to the family, is made at sight. The principle should l)e aihjpted tliat all plants are to he named wlien tliey go into the press, or as soon after as ])ossihle, for which latter pur})ose duplicates should he reserved. If this i)lan is adopted, it will save a large amount of trouhle and vexation. When specimens are regularly hurried into the press without analysis, one very soon finds tliat the rapid accumulation of material puts him so nuich in arrears with his work, that he either gets a kind friend to supply the names or leaves the work of deternuna- tion for a more convenient opportunity which rarely or never comes. Moi'e or less discouragement is the inevitable result, and all the blame is laid upon the study as being a dit!icult one and tlie "names so hard to learn." BOTANICAL COLLPX'TOK S (lUIDK. 41 One of tlie priiiijuy ol>jects of collectiiij^ ])liiiits is to study and classify them, and this can only he gained l)y careful and per- sistent analysis, which, in the rei)etition, l)econies continually easier. Therefore, if this })art of the work is neglected, one fails to receive the very advantages he seeks wlien he enters upon the study. There are no sliort cuts, and only persistent eti'ort will overcome the difficulties presented. Having determined the s})ecies, each s})eci- inen sliould l)e })r()vided with a label which accompanies it through all the various stages, until it is finally mounted on the herl)arium slieet. The label may l)e any ordinary slii) of white paper cut twice in the middle to form a short loop, by means of which it can he slipped over a leaf or other prominent part of the })lant. It should bear a number wliich refers to the note-l)ook where all details are to be found, or it may liave written upon it the name, date and place of euUection and name of collector, as well as 42 BOTANICAL COLLECTOIl.S (JUIDE. such other details as are not in the note- book, hut which require to appear on the final label. Nothing must be left to chance. From first to last be careful to adopt and pursue a methodical course, and the result cannot fail to be satisfactory. l!i:, i;.;i.l!li I note- Ill tlie dance. )t and result CHAPTEll IV THE USE OF NAMES. 'illllll ;i, ])(>iiit tlio 8 As 11 for t witli W( ii'd Slid I ]){U't that can serve The sul)je IV. THK U.SR OF NAMES. % Perlia])s it W(jul(l be pertinont at tliis point to inako a few ()l).servatioiis relative to llie sup})()se(l (littjeiiltie.s of l)otaiiical studies. As tlie young student o[)ens liis or her book for tlie first time, lie (or she) is confronted with many hm^^ and apparently ditficult words, words of strange sound and strange meaning, l^^aeh plant is found to have two such words as its name, and each organ or part has its separate name. The thought that all this must be mastered l)efore (me t'uu know botany, is too often allowed to serve as a means of absolute discouragement. The pu])il conies to look upon the whole subject as one of the greatest difficulty. i «l 4G BOTANICAL COLLFX'TOR\S CJUIDE. No iiKH'c eiToiieous conception could be entertained or encour{i<»ed, for we ciin safely say tliat, if jnopc^rly studied, there is pro- l)al)ly no subject of natural science more invitini^^ than botany. It must be kept in mind, nevertheless, that tlie ])upil must la-ini;- to the work hal)its (►f studiousness, conil)ined with a desire to know. There should also be a love for plants. No one can m.uke a success of any walk in life unless his (or her) wliole soul is in the work undertaken. In other words, you and your chosen occui)ation should be so closely identified that the two become merged in one. The names applied to the various parts of a plant are such as in themselves describe those parts most concisely. No other terms would be ecpially applicable. The two names applied to the whole plant are of Greek or Latin origin, and in every case are, or should be, descriptive of some peculiar feature of structure or place of origin, or commemora- tive of some distinguished botanist or locality. BOTANICAL ('()LI.K(T0K8 (UUDE. 47 Eacli plant, in accordance with the l)in()niial system of Linntcns, has two names. The iii'st, or i^^eneric name, shows to wliat ^ronp of a family the plant l)elonj^s. The second, or s])(K'ific name, points out the particular ty[)e of that genus, and it often happens that these names at once indicate tlie cliaracter or characters l)y which a plant is to l)e distinguished from its relatives. Thus Jiichardid afriraiKi, the name of the cultivated calla-lily, so-called, shows in the generic name tluit the plant was named in honor of the French botanist llichard, while the specific name points out Africa as its original home. Again, in Anemone aciUUoha we liave first, reference to the fact that our plant belongs to the wind tlowers,and second, that the leaves are lobed and pointed, characters which are distinctive. These illustrations could easily be multiplied until they tilled a book, but those given will suffice for the present purpose. Now, in designating a plant it is just f '11 4.S p.oTAXif'AL fT)rj.?:fToi{ s ririDE. I ! as o.'isy to say Richardia as Oalla, witli tlui a(l(liti(»iial advanta.i^^e llial tlie first is correct, wliile the second is wliolly incorrect, ])ec{inse the llicliardia is not a calla scien- tifically speakini^, and therefore it is not such at all, except as the name is erroneously given hy a niisf^uided popular idea. Much is said at the present time in favor of popu- lar names, and to tlie detriment of scientific names as heing incom})rehensible. AVhy, then, do we commonly say geranium, oxalis, anemone, camellia, lycopo- dium, clematis, etc., etc. ? — for these are each and all purely scientific names which have been adopted as the common names, because the l)est. It will probably occur to the reflecting mind that, after all, it is a mat- ter of habit, and that it is just as easy to learn and use the name sanctioned l)y science as any other. Common names have the very obvious disadvantage that there is no cer- tainty in their application. A given plant often has several common names, each (it'j m r.OTANIC'AL COLLECTORS firiDE. 40 wliich may in turn 1)0 n|)])lie(l to scvorjil (dlici' pliiiits. Kiic'li locality has its own pcculiiir nomenclature, Jind beyond its nar- row limits the names there in use may be devoid of significance. The student may well ask " liut sliould I not, at the beginning, learn all these ditticidt names, conunit them to memory, and thus liave them at call, ready to apply when wanted ? " The answer would be most eni- pliatically, no. As you study your jdants you will constantly discover the need of special terms. These you will find in a glossary which almost always accompanies your text-book or manual. As the need arises, study out the meaning and applica- tion of tlie term used. You will thus commit I it to memory with the least difficulty, and in |a manner which will make its retention per- [nument. To attempt committing a long list |()f teclnncal terms without direct application is to engender confusion of ideas. When our plant is fully studied, and the need for c ill no nOTAXICAI. COI.LKCTOirs (IIIIDK. n iiaiiKi arises, you will tluMi l)e {il)lo, in tlic same- way, to uiKlci'slaiid its ai)plic'alion. TIk; oml of botanical studies ]>y no n»"ni> lies in the number of lonjf words one ea». ic- nieinljcr. Technical terms are only a moans] to an end. They are so many steppin:4-ston('> to that which is beyond. If the studciii will ai)proach the subject from this point (ii| view, the su})positious dilliculties will (h.^ jippear, and in their place will be found thiii| which will not only be a continually nii<,^ men ting pleasure, ])ut,when other occup v\ fail, will prove an unending resource o healthy, mental enjoyment. I, i ii E. (3, in till ll lion. 10 n>'"iiis ,'1 ni'3itii>! ii»;-ston(!s studcii! ; point ni will (lii^-l )un(l tliiii ally aii<^-i [!Up 1 CHAPTER V. rRESSING, source aper generally f?m[)loyed is usnally made of woollen rags, and is in all respects similar to carpet felt- BOTANICAL COLLECTORS GUIDE. 57 ing, except that it is iimch softer, being wliolly free from tilling substance. It nuist l)e ca|)al)le of taking np moisture rapidly. The sheets should be 12x18 inclies, and if one is intending to do much C(.)llecting, at least three or four lumdred sheets will be recpiired. A sample of this pai)er will 1)0 found at the end of the volume. One should also provide an ample supply of old newspapers cut to the same dimensions in single sheets, and experience will show that several thin boards, or better, sheets of mill l)oard about ^/iq inch thick, will be of great service. Everything is now ready to put the plants in press. To do this, raise the upper board of the press, and let it hang upon the screws as shown in the figure, by simply dropping one end after raising the whole to the re- ([uired height. Now place upon the table in front of you, a few sheets of drying paper, and upon this one of the slieets of newspaper. Up(;n tlie latter place your specimen, care- ii'' 111! 58 BOTANICAL COLLECTOR'S GUIDE. Klllid.'llillli 11 MM mm 1 iii 1 fully arranging the parts in natural position. Do not force a ilower open or otherwise dis- tort any of the parts. Having done this, cover tlie specimen with a sheet of news- paper, and on the whole place from two to several sheets of the drying paper, according to the nature of the specimen. The more succulent the plants, the greater the number of drying sheets should separate them, and the same rule will apply where delicate plants are next to hard, woody specimens by which they would be injured. It frequently happens that a plant will not lie fiat while the drying papers are being placed over it. In such cases, with one hand lay on the sheet of newspaper, while the other hand spreads out the parts of the plant and holds them down. The weight of the drying paper will then keep all parts in position. Very great care at this time is not essential, since disor- dered parts can easily be arranged when the specimens are changed the first time, with the great advantage that, owing to their BOTANICAL C!Oi;[.ECTOK S GUIDE. 59 wilted condition, all parts may then be made to lie Hat and keep the positions assigned them. Having thus placed all the specimens between papers, the entire pile is put into press, the upper board dropped, and pressure applied by means of the screws. If there arc many hard, woody specimens, it will be found best to separate them occasionally from one another, and particularly from soft specimens, by means of the thin boards or mill boards already referred to. The pressure to Ije applied at this time must not be great. Ordinarily it should not exceed 25-30 pounds. If more is applied while the specimens are full of water and all tlieir tissues are in a state of high tension, tliey will be crushed, and many of them ruined. It must be kept constantly in mind that pressure is not applied with the object of mechanically forcinjr the water out of the specimens, but primarily to hold all parts in position and prevent curling, while the water is eliminated by the absorptive paper. GO BOTANICAL COLLECTOR'S GUIDE. if iiiil As this drying progresses, more pressure may be ai)plied, until, after the second or third change of papers, when there is no longer danger of crushing, all tlie pressure you are capable of may be applied, and thus the dry- ing will be hastened. The time required to properly dry plants varies with the nature of the specimen and the local conditions of humidity. In this climate many plants will be dried in two or three days, others will require a week, and a few may need ten days or a fortnight. Certain specimens may need special treat- ment before they are put in press. Thus in such plants as Symplocarpus, where the parts are thick and fleshy, it is better to allow such to wilt thoroughly before putting them in press. Again, such flowers as the lady's slipper (Ci/pripediiwi) or the leaves of the pitcher plant (Sarracenia) are improved by partly filling the cavity with cotton, whicli will distend the parts somewhat and tend to preserve the natural form. Woody stems, BOTANICAL COLLECTORS flUIDE. CI thick rhizomes, tubers, bulbs, corms and simi- lar organs should l)e cut in half, and, in some cases, the interior parts should be carefully removed. A thick spadix like that of Symplocarpus, or spikes like those of the cat-o'-nine-tails( T^/pA^) or sweet i\'dg(Acorus), should be treated in a similar manner. Beyond this, experience which, after all that can be said, is the best teacher, will soon discover to the intelligent student the proper cDurse to pursue. Adopting the principle already laid down, that the most rapid drying is consistent with the best preserved specimens, it will not be difficult to recognize that a frequent change of papers is essential. At least once each day all the plants should be taken out of the press and placed between dry papers, the moist ones being placed near a stove or spread out in the sun to dry. At this point the utility of the newspapers becomes apparent. Were the plants placed directly upon the drying paper, they would adhere to :\\ 02 BOTANICAL COLLECTOrIs CUIDFJ. • 9: it, and considerable force would be required for their removal, with consequent injury and possible loss of rare specimens. With the plant between thin newspaper, the whole is transferred as the specimens are changed from day to day, and no disturbance of the contents is made until the plant is wliolly dry, when it separates from the paper spon- taneously. Change of specimens to dry papers should be made at least once each day, and more frequently if possible. Under sucli circum- stances, in this climate, where the conditions favor rapid desiccation, it will be found quite easy to preserve the normal color of most flowers and leaves. In more humid climates, however, the difficulty of accomplishing this is often very great, and during the rainy season, in the tropics, plants frequently decay in the press. They always come out more or less discolored, and sometimes almost black. In this latitude there should be no difficulty whatever, and specimens BOTANICAL COLLECTORS GUIDE. 6;j wliicli are discolored may, witli few excep- tions, 1)0 taken as evidence of carelessness. Test of complete dryness may he made by the touch, hut one must learn to distinguish hctween the sensation of dampness and the sensation of coldness. If the fingers do not prove sufficiently sensitive, application to the cheek will enable a decision to be reached. As fast as the plants are dried, they are laid away in a pile between old newspapers until they can be mounted. CHAPTER VI. MOUNTING. \w 111 tc b( si. C( Sll wi th (.f of Til gi\ i I '4' VI. Mounting. Paper. — For permaiieiit preservation, and to facilitate reference, all plants recpiire to be mounted on sheets of paper of uniform size, color and quality. It sliould be white in order to give the sharpest contrast. Colored paper should never be used. The surface should be smooth and hard, but witliout gloss. The weight must be such that a slieet may be handled ,vi!-hout danger of its bending too readily, while the extreme of cardljoard must also be carefully avoided. These recpurements are met in tlie sample given at the end of the book. If ordering 68 BOTANICAL COLLECTOR S GUIDE. of any dealer in such paper, the niiml)erand size will he sufficient, or it may l)e designated more exactly as Silverhurn Linen, 18x23, 36 lbs., to he cut in sheets lljxl7. These directions will secure paper of standard quality and size, from whatever source it may be ordered. The sheets sliould ])e 1 1 ixl 7 inches. This conforms to the general standard of most herbaria, is an economical size to purchase, and is adapted to tlie dimensions of a\'erage specimens. It is also tlie standard used by the CJeological Survey of Canada and by McGill University, and is therefore recom- mended to secure uniformity with tlie lierbaria of these institutions. Various methods are recommended wliere- by tlie s})ecinien is attached to the sheet. One of these is to sew the plant on with strong white thread. Such a method has no advantages, while it has many ol)vious (hs- advantagcs. Some of the more ])rominent of these are, that the specimen is always I' BOTAXTCi.L COLLECTOR S GUIDE. 69 loose, and it us(3(l at all, will very soon se])in'ate from the sheet altogether. A second method is to nse narrow strips of tliin and tongh gummed pa])er, which are secured over all the prominent parts of the plant. The latter is thus held down firmly jit first, but with nse soon works loose and parts l)reak off, while the strips are always more or less nnsightly. Then too, the time and labor needed in this process are very great, and this has, in more than one case, acted as a deterrent, preventing collectors from entering into the work with nnich enthusiasm. The snpposed advantages of these methods are, that the parts recpured for examination are readily inspected nd easily removed. This argnment is of no valne whatever. If a specimen is properly prepared in the first instan.'e, it is at all times suited to examin- ation of its various parts, if mounted accord- ing to the method al)ont to be described. The method now adopted in all lai'ge 70 BOTANICAL COLLECTORS GUIDE. iHi '™'il herbaria, is to glue the plant directly to the sheet. This has all tlie advantages of duraljility, utility, economy and beauty of finish to reconnnend it. For this purpose a brittle glue, like gum arable, should never be be used, but rather a strong, tough glue such as is found in fish glue, usually sold as Le Page's Liquid Glue. This is the cheapest and best article for the purpose that is made. In the McGill College Herbarium we use the grade known as carriage glue, which is much too thick for direct use, but by dilution with one-half volume of water, it is reduced to proper strength for average plants, while dilution with an equal volume of water adapts it to pasting labels. Too much should not be diluted at one time, as there is a tendency when in this condition, for de- composition to set in after one or two days. l*rovide a rather soft round ])rush, about f of an inch in diameter, such as painters use. To apply the glue, place an old news- paper on the table in the front of you, with BOTANICAL COLLECTOR .S GUIDE. 71 the 5 of ose a er be such IS Le japest made. e use which Lit by ter, it -erage lohime much there 'or de- days, out I inters uews- with the ])ile of speciiiieus to tlie right and i\\v, ])il(' of mount ini;' [)apor to the U;ft. Take uj) your specimen and examine it carefully, to see wliicli is to 1)0 the outer or uppermost side. Having settled this, reverse the specimen on tiie news})ai)er, and with the brush apply a small (piantity of glue to each leaf, llower, various parts of the st(jm and wherever it appears to be needed. A large amount of glue is not only useless but disadvantaLjeous. Only enough should be applied here and there to insure close union of specimen and paper. Now lift the plant carefully and reverse it upon the mounting sheet, taking care to drop it directly into its pro- per position. Keniove the sheet to the Kift and cover with a sheet of the drying ])aper, to take up any surplus glue and ])revent the specimens sticking together. Continue to pile the specimens in tliis way, occasionally introducing a thin l)oai'd. When the })ile has reached convenient height, place a couple of bricks on top and hrf) BOTANICAL flOLLFXTOli S GUIDE. IP m ! il!i' 1 HI pi j i set to one side until the f^liic has hardened. Objections liave been raised tliat tliis nietliod results in unsightly glue on the specimen, or of more unsightly blotches of fuzzy paper like some great excrescence. Having mounted about twelve thousand specimens in this way, during the last six years, I feel justified in raying that when such blemishes occur, they are the result of carelessness. If the precaution is taken to limit the amount of glue used, and never to paste on the same sheet of paper twice, difficulties of this kind will wholly disa})- pear or be reduced to accidental occurrence. With very delicate plants and grasses, it will probably be found best to spread a fairly thick layer of glue over a limited area of tlie pasting sheet, the specimen is then taken up with forceps and carefully laid in the glue so as to gum a nvnnber of parts. Or, apply the glue in the usual way and tlieii, wi'^^out lifting it from the pasting sheet, lay the sheet of mounting paper upon it, pass BOTANICAL COLLECTOR .S OUIDE. 73 M the liand li^^itly over t]ie surface and lift it. The s])eciiiieii will now be found adlieriug to the sheet witliout any unsiglitly glue. Mosses may be glued on in the usual way, placing four specimens of the same species, l)ut from diff'irent localities, on the same slieet. If too small to treat in this way, make a paper pocket like the sample at the end of the book, and place the specimen in it without using glue. Lichens may be mounted the same as mosses wlien their dimensions will admit. As most of these plants are stiff and brittle when collected, and more or less bulky, they should be placed in water until pliable, then placed in the press until dry. Sea weeds require somewhat different treatment. Large plants like the Fuci, wliicli have relatively little mucilage, should he dried under pressure in the usual way and mounted with glue. Laminarias may also be treated in the same manner, but as they contain rather more mucilage, they 74 BOTANICAL COLLECTOUS GUIDE. . >j\'r iifinBlviiiii I i! may ]je pressed directly upon the lierbariuin sheet to whieli they will then adhere tirndy. The delicate seaweeds need to be Hoated out in a large basin of salt water. Quarter sheets of the herbarium paper are now slipped underneath and carefully raised out of the water with the specimens upon them. If necessary, the parts are then arranged witli needles and the whole is allowed to dry, usually without pressure. These small sheets are then secured to sheets of tlie standard size. It is not unconnnon to find mosses, lichens and many sea-weeds mounted on very small sheets. This practice we con- sider objectionable because : — 1st. It destroys the uniformity of tlic collection as a whole. 2nd. In collections of seaweeds it neces- sitates the use of two sizes of paper or an undesirable limitation of the specimen. 3rd. It is not consistent with economy of time and labor. iil llji'li'iiiiillhiwll i; BOTANICAL COLLECTOR'S GUIDE. 75 arunn iriuly. ed out Quarter 3 now idd out I theui. •raiijj;tHl wed to ;e small of tlie 4th. It deniaiids cases of totally different (liiiiensions or else involves waste space in tliose of the ordinary size. ntli. Tlie packages are of most awkward (Uuiensions. 0th. There are no compensating advan- tages. It is therefore much better to adopt a uni- form size of sheet for all specimens, and adajjt these to it as directed above. nosses, ted ou ^^e cou- of the t neces- r or an ■en. cononiY ■i' •* CHAPTER VII. LABELS AND AERANGEMENT. l! la be of do Tl pr st3 mc he; thi bei of Ilia VII. LABELS AND ARRANGEMENT. Plants properly inouiitod must bear a laljel giving neeessary data. Sucli facts may be written upon the lower riglit-hai 1 corner of the sheet, but this is a practice which does not commend itself to orderly minds. The general practice is to have a s})ecial, printed form of label of uniform size and style. Experience always shows that the more simple the lal)el with respect to printed headings the better, and for small collections this will always be a safe rule for tlie beginner to follow. Wliere large collections of the tk)ra of a particular district aie to be made, and particularly when many exchanges 80 BOTANir'AL COLLECTOR S GUIDE. Ilffoillffinr'i of siicli plants are to l)e sent out, tlie wliole lal)el may ])e ])rinte(l, as sliowii in the speci- mens Nos. 1 and 8. For mosses, it may he fomid (lesirnl)le to use a lal)el of smallei' dimensions, but otlierwise similar to tlic others, as in No. 2. Eeference to tlie s])ecimens in tlie appen- dix, wliicli are sam])les of labels actually in use, will eiial)le one to select sucli as are adapted to particular needs. In ordering from deaUn-s, the numljer of the lal)el and tlie headin<^ desired are all the directions re(piired. In all cases the paper for the ljii)els should be white and of liu'lit weiiiht. fuid the tvix' clear and })lain. If too thin, the ])aper will curl badly in pjistin^;, and if too heavy, it will not adhere ([uickly to the sheet. The surface must be hard and well adapted to writing- with a pen. In writinii," the details, none of the ordinary iron inks should be used, as they fade out in time, but employ a _ti,'(»<»d cai'hon ink, su(.'h as India ink or lliggins' BOTANICAL COLLECTOIJ S CCIDK. St \Viiter])roof (Irawin^' ink. This will be per- niaiR'iit. The details on the label must show the generic and spi'cilie names of the plant, together with an abbreviated form (tf the name of the author by whom the jJant name was given, the date of eoUection, locality and name of collector, with such additional information as may be necessaiy. AVhen completed, it will have the a}rpearance of Hiiure G. Ex. Herb. R. M. Middleton, Jr. "•<. , C'^z-'Z-t.^ /•-z-*:-^^ I.oraJitij, Cullector, Figure 6. Wliere large nund)ers of plants from the same locality are colle(^ted, and particularly v.heie such are to be exchanged in (piantity, R2 BOTANICAL COLLECTORS CCIDE. it is most economical to have the entire lal»cl ])i'inle(l. It tlien assumes the appearance of figure 7. C. G. PRINGLE, PLANT.-C MEXICANyE, 1S90. -STATE OP SAN LUIS POTOSI- 3300 Ncmaclndus oppositifolius, B. L. Robiuson, o. sp. Dry calcarooua bluffs near Cardenaa. 7, October. Figure 7. AVhen more than one specimen is mounted on the same slieet, each sliould liave its [H'(>))er label directly beneath. When only one specimen is on a sheet, tlie label sliould .always he placed in tlie lower right-hand corner, for reasons which will appear later. The ])lants may now be regarded as finished, hut re(|uire to he arranged wit'i reference to relationship. For this purpose we provide folded covers of stout Manilla paper like the sample given, into each of r.OTANICAL r'0[,LF/!T()I{ S (ll'IDK. 'C label anec of E s. n. sp. lOUiUi'd ave its 311 only should lit-haiid X later, •dccl as 3d wit' I purpose Maui 11a each of which, for collections not exceeding; one thousand specinieus, a family is ])laced. The cover is then ])rovided at; the lower left-luiud folded corner, with a siin})le label heariuf;" the name of the family and j^cnus. For larger c(dlections, each o-cmis should have a se})arate cover, and in herbaria of several thousand s])eciinens, sin'cral such covers will often be needed for one u;enus. In this case, the wnus label may be : iinted and bear data arrantred as shown in liii'ure 8. Exostemma, Rich Order 84. 39. Figure 8. The numbers here correspond to the num- ber of the family and i^enus as in P)enthani and Hooker's (}enera riantarum, which thus hecomes an index to the herbarium, and the 84 BOTANICAL C0LL?]CT01{ S CHIDE. work of arraiigoment or tlie iuscrtioii of new speciiiiciis is <:>i'catly fiieilitatcd. It now remains only to arrani^e the speci- mens in their proper order. This must Ijc done in accordance with the arrangement given in any one of the various manuals, such as Gray's Manual of the Nortliern United States, or in Macoun's Catalogue of Canadian Plants. This arrangement is tliat whicli is supposed to represent the natural sequence in development, so that the most highly developed family would come first, the genera and species following in tlie same order. If, tlierefore, care is taken to pre- serve such an arrangement when once made, it always serves to point out the position and affinities of the various groups and species. The preservation of tliis order depends upon the care exercised in handling the plants, a matter wliich is simple in itself, but too often disregarded. i new Bpeci- iist be ;ciiient iiniala, rUicrii gnc of is that latural 3 most 3 first, e same .0 pre- ) made, losition js and , order mdling iple ill CHAPTER VIII. CASES AND rPvESERVATION. VIIL CASES AND PKESERVATION. The ])eriiuuient preservation of specimens necessitates a case of some kind, in which they may he protected from dnst, insects and mechanical injury. Forms of various kinds will l)e suggested, and an ahundant ()p])ortunity is ofi'ered for personal choice. Tin cases, opening at the end by a door with double joints, and capable of holding from 200 to 400 specimens, are often em- ployed. They serve as a special protection against dampness and insects(?) Ordinarily, a case of half-inch wood, of a size adapted to requirements, is all that is needed. For a small collection such a case might measure 8.S P.O'rANICAL ('OLLK(TO|{S fU'IDE. 12Lxl* ^';> '/ ■M Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ,\ ,v \\ % in- 6^ r^' ^1> ^^ -V^:.^^ lA 4>S'^ ,1 11 t/ '^ V The Use and Treatment of Specimens. So far, all our ettbrts have been directed towards the preparation of specimens which shall be of direct scientific value, and should tlierefore be available at any time for analysis, or comparison with other plants ; and it is desirable to now point out how such specimens should be handled. It is an unfortunate fact that many of those who have access to herbaria do not know how to handle the specimens. The result is con- fusion, damage or total loss. Plants as arranged in their respective genus covers, must be looked upon as so many books of which each specimen sheet 94 BOTANICAL COLLECTOR'S GUIDE. is a Iciif. They iiinst therefore be treated precisely as if they were all bound into one inseparable whole. When several packets of plants are taken from a shelf, they should be successively turned over until the one sought is found. Then the cover behig opened, the sheets are successively turned over to the left until the species wanted is reached. When all is done, return the pile to its prop'ir position and order l)y simple inversion of those removed. The original arrang'^nient is thus preserved intact. No- thing is more annoying than to have a well arranged herl)arium upset l)y an ignorant person, who will not take the trouble to exercise a little judgment and care, but leaves the whole in a delightful state of chaos which may take many hours to rectify. In examining a single specimen, the sheet may be caught at the lower end in siicii j> manner that, when lifted, it bends sliarply at the middle and the specimen is destroyed. For such carelessness there is no possible BOTANICAL COLLECTOU S iWWK. i) trccated iito one packets should the one [• being turned mted is the pile ' simple original jt. No- e a well ignorant Duble to are, but state of 3 rectify, he sheet 1 sacii n sliarply estroyed. possible excuse. When taking up a slieet, extend the four fingers of the hand beneath it in such a way as to form a depression at tlie centre. Into the hollow thus formed, press the thumb as it is ])rought down upon the l)aper, wliich is thus bent slightly through- out its length so as to form a section of a cylinder. The paper thereby ac(]uir(;s a rigidity which will, witli ordinary care, be proof against its bending. From wliat has been said as to arrange- ment and selection of specimens, it will be obvious that by having the species label on the lower right hand corner of the sheet, re- f(!rence to specimens is greatly facilitated. This wouhl be otherwise were the label in the lower left hand corner. When a plant is to be analyzed, and it is reciuisite to remove a flower or other part wliich has been glued down, this is easily accomplished by placing upon tlie part wanted, a small (quantity of hot water. This is allowed to stand a short tinie, when the 96 BOTANICAL COLLECTOR'S GUIDE. specimen may be removed without damage to adjacent parts. After a little further immersion in hot water, the flower will be so far softened that analysis follows almost as readily as in the fresh specimen. Finally, in distributing specimens to others, be most careful that they are in all respects what they should be. By no means send a poorly-preserved or a fragmentary specimen, unless the circumstances are of such an exceptional nature as to justify you in so doing. If you have only one specimen of a rare plant, keep it yourself ; under no cir- cumstances should you divide it upon the principle of half a loaf. A divided specimen has no particular value for anyone, while the possession of a complete and unique speci- men does give exceptional value to the whole collection. Nothing is more annoying to a good col- lector than to have poor and imperfect specimens sent to him as an equivalent for good ones. The person who adopts such :i )E. t dam.age i further will be so almost as mens to are in all no means gmentary ire of sucli you in so imen of a 3r no cir- upon the specimen , while the \ue speci- the whole , good col- imperfect valent for pts sucli a BOTANICAL Ci)LLKCT()U's (llinK. !)' course is sure to find his list of cxclumm's rajMilly contracting. And again, do not 1)C niggardly in distrihuti<>n. Unless large, make it a rule to send two plants of a kind, {Uid when very small, as in Viola hlanda, scud at least half-a-dozen or more. !i:5l I i i ^ 1 ■4 li ArrENJ)ix '^^ IHfr f \ APPENDIX. Ill choosing labels for a herbarium, the follow- ing styles, reproiliiced from labels in actual use, may serve as useful guides. The printed details will, of necessity, depend to some extent ui)on circumstances. Forms No. 1 A, IJ, C, are adapted to general herbarium purposes. 102 UOTANICAI. COLLKCTOU'h (MTIDK. ' «. • • » i * • D * W' < - « " i* % .'fl 21 '•' w o w o o < d Z > ( -|li;i ■ \W^\ i _ ' ■ o ;5^ %• f '' •' u HCj •f^ III s tt ^ MBW jj '! ■> ■ ^ ^ ■Ilf"' ! s Cj m BOTANICAL COLLECTUUs' tiUJDK. ICi f I O OQ CD •hi 104 nOTANlUAL C0I,I,ECT01i's GUIDE. 'lii r =t=i=r=l=t=I=rJ=T=l=T=l=Tz l=Tzl=rii=t^^ i I CO \i n CD 3 1 o it ^ O z o =i3.rTSi=T=i=T=*rT=JJTa=T=i=T=*=T=*=T=l=T=iJrr=i=T^^ J m BOTANICAL COLLECTOR'S (Jl'IDE. 105 CD o =m=&^ ! ! P ! No. 2 is the form of label used in tho McOiil College Keibariiiin for mosses, liclieiis and alga?, a somewhat smaller size being use-' for such plants because of the i)robability that four labels may appear on one sheet. < M X o o U o CM « o Z ■„; lOG BOTANICAL COLLECTOK.S GUIDE. Labels fur purposes of exchan.Lje, and also for l)laiits of a given district, may take one of the following forms : — >E. BOTANICAL COLLECTOR'S OUIDE. 107 (1 iilso for lie of tlio CO 1 : • 1 "^^y I CO j G 1 CO j o 1 M-H i o ^^ o > ^ CJ I w • to X CQ 1 ^ • : ?5 X i 6 z 1 ^ on • ^ , 'o o o • 1 i ^ i i CD i X « 1 • ^C) • 1 X m i ^ 108 BOTANICAL collector's GUIDE. OS TS C3 a ^ c3 Ci o ^ ^ C4~| O ' >3 (/) .0 1- > z . f~l tf z =J • 3 CO ^ 0- u -1— 1 1 « 6 z < z fcUO z < ^ z CD C!3 < >• Q • u ^2 ^ U CD w M M I50TAXICAL COLLK(TOI{'s C.VWK. 101) c3 •T3 c3 P c3 O (/) ' c^ h o > z < Q. Z f^ < 3 P ■ Cb 6 CO m o c^ o ^__, 1 00 < 13 » w r>. ^ s gic -J O z f HN o o O 1 ) -9 o I O) (/) CD p ■ i i S-i ffi ^ ■"^ O) '^ w * ^ ^ ^ii M W CO 1 III all of tlie above forms the ruled lines do not appear in the label, but are introduced here simply to indicate the actual dimensions, with the exception of No. 1 C and No. 3 B. Ill 5-- I Ml SAMPLES OF PAPKPt. iiill ♦ • ^»:i «. % ♦■„." t'f 'a*' ' BOTANICAX collector's GUIDE. 113 '»' J *->' FOR MOUNTING PAPER. 4 '\; %^ >:.y i.i* f = ■'> Vr^^- .^^» ^rs 0. ft (i iij .fr :h '%«!■ ,.>tj fs, -<^p5. W 'J- * ■'¥. .#'• BOTANICAL COLLECTOR'S GUIDE. * 117 FOR COVER PAPER. Pi w w t4 :/j .2 —V rs 1— 1 ^ ^ S < §3 i Em m p^ .3 O W o 'y 1^ CO g ^ ^ rJl s "* (k o a. 5f S tisH 5 •- < r*^ 02 ^, i-H c p^ a H ^ W ^ M o o ;:i^ L ^f^rvr- "Z-i-^f.: INDEX. r ppfs INDEX. Acorus, Albo-Caibon, Al""ap Analysis, " of dried plants, ** of fresh plants, Time of, Anemone, , Anemone acutil-iba, . Arrangement, Arrangement, Preservation Aster, .... Board press. Boots, Wading. . Botanical Guide, Use of. Botany, Study of, Value of as a train Bottle, Dipping, . Box, Collecting, . Bulbs, Treatment of, . Calla, .... Camellia, Camphor, Naphthalene, Carbon bisulphide, . of, ing. PAOE 61 90 22 28 38 38 40 48 47,48 70 95 34 54 23 9 11 11 22 23 61 48 48 90 89 P". 1 f ♦ ' - • 12'-1 BOTANICAL COLLFXTOU's TIUIDE. !">' 1 PAdK P ' 1 CascH, 87 1. ' ! '' Tin, . . .- 87 " Wood, 87 ■ ' .. Chloroform, 89 ■ 1. • ' \ ■ \ ClcmatiR, .... 48 ■ .-: ' Cold chisel, 22 ■ 1.' - Collection of fruit, 34 1 " of plants, . *' of plants, Object of. Collecting box, . " " Carriage of. 33 41 23 ■ 27 Ib Corms, .... Gl Con osivc sublimate, . 88 \ \ 1 , ■ *• *• Objections ■[- ' . ' Covers, Genus, . Dipping bottle, . to. 89 83 22 \ , ^ " net, 22 Discoloration, Cause of 62 ' ■i Dissecting needles. 30 i -, Dredging hooks, Drying, Time of, ' / Dryness, Test of. Fish glue, .... Flowers, Removal for analysis, ! Fruit, Collection of, . Genus covers, 22 GO G3 70 95 34 83 ^Mi " " Sample of, . 117 *" ■ ** labels, .... Geranium, 83 48 I. ' ■"; ' Glasses. Magnifying, , 28 ill ■ /! j ^ Glue, Application of, . 70 Ff'fPf HIJ «i FiHl,^ .... 70 *4 " i ^ff ' ' '. " Lc I'lige's, . 70 Uli P " Use of. 70 I'-* tb~ Glueing, Precautions in 72 |jni'-/;-Wr- Grasses, . . ~^ . ^4 |g|i ,§'■' Gum arable. 70 1 HI r ' • BOTANICAL COLLECTOli's (lUIDE. 12.') PAGE . ', * .■■..■'.■|^"-- Gummed paper, . . . : 87 Hammer, .... * 87 Hcibarinm, Objects of. : 89 Hooks for dredging, . 4S Impl(>ments, 22 liisectieides, 34 Insects, .... 33 Knife, . . 41 Labels, .... 23 " Details of, 27 ** for exchanges, 61 " for the press, . 88 " for general collections. 89 " Taper for, 83 " Stylo of, . 22 Lactuca, .... 22 Lichens, .... 62 " Mounting, . 30 Line-former, . 22 Lycopodium, . 60 Magnifying glasses, . 63 Moisture, lletention by plants, 70 Mosses, Mcmnting, . 96 Mounting •mosses, 34 " paper, Sample of, 83 " plants. 117 " Uniformity in, . 83 Mulgodium, 48 Names, Common, 28 *' Generic, 70 " Hcientific. 70 « Specific, . 70 " The use of, . 70 Naphthalene Camplior, . 72 Newspai)ers, Siicets of, . 34 The use of, . 70 Note book, .... 82, PAOE 69 22 35 22 19 90 88 19 79 81 106-109 41 102-105 80 80 34 22 73 27 48 28 27 73 73 113 07 74 34 48 47 48 47 45 90 57 61 34" ^^ ■■h f 124 BOTANICAL COLLECTOR'S GUJDE. !•• • I'AUE Note book. Details entered in, . 38 .■ Observation, 12 : Oxalis, 48 ; Paper, Change of . 61, 62 " Cover, . 117 'i : J " Drying, . 56, 115 *• for mounting, " Onmmed, " Samples of. . 67, 68, 113 69 111 Plants, Arningement for drying > 58 .;■ . " Attachment to sheets, . 68 " Care in transport, . 39 " Collection of, . 33 _.i ,; ■ i ** Mounting, '* Pressing, 67 53 ; Portulacca, . 27 ■ ' 1 ■'' '1- Preservation, 1 Press, Board, " Portable Avire, 1 " Screw, Pi'cseing })lant8, . 87 54 66 54 53 ■f'. Pressure, Amount of. 59 ir- Red cedar, . . . 89 Rhi/omes, , Richardia africana. 61 47 '-.■ Samples of labels, " " papers. 02-109 111 ^ Sarracenia, . 60 \\ Sea-weeds, . 73 i Sedum, 27 V" \ Solidago, 34 SonchuH, 27 " Sow thistle, ' 27 Specimens, Arrangement of, 84 (* " Character of, . 33 1 J I " Distribution of, ' 1 i - -■ 96 . 1 ' " Preservati on of arra rigeu lent, 96 I' 1 I)E. 67, I'AUK 38 12 48 01, 62 117 56, 115 68, 113 69 111 58 68 39 38 67 68 27 87 54 56 54 53 59 89 61 47 102-109 111 60 73 27 34 27 27 84 88 96 95 ■ ■ ' ' ' /. ^ BOTANICAL COLLECTOR'S OlJIf)K. 125 I'AOK Specimens, Size of, 34 " Use and treatment of, .... 93 Stems, Treatment of, 60 Stone-crop, 27 Symplocarpus, GO, 01 Thread, 08 Tin cases, 87 Trowel, . 20 Trowel knife, '21 Tubers, 01 Typha, 61 Wading boots, 23 Wooden cases, 88 Is W Wl, 4-^ E. M. liENOIJK, rUBLISHEH, BOOKSELLER, NEWS AGENT, STATIONER, BOOKBINDER, DEALER IN EDUCATIONAL APPARATUS, Etc. Etc. AT NA/HOLESALE AND RETAIL. I would respectfully reniiud the public of tiie unusual facilities I possess for tlie carrying on of my busi- ness in the various departments enumerated above, and that, in all of them, to give the utmost satisfaction : As Publisher. — My arrangements are such as to secure to authors satisfaction in facilities for issuing, etc., and, having an extensive and close connection with the trade, I can place their works before the public from one end of the Dominion to the other. As Bookseller. —I always keep in stock a large assortment of the standard literature of the day, and receive new books as issued from p]ngland and tlie United States. Having correspondents in London, Paris, Leipsic and other cities in PiUrope, as well as with the leading cities of tliis continent, I have great facilities for procuring, from any part of the world, such books as may be rei^uired by my customers w^hich are not usually kept in stock. As News Agent.— I supply all tlie leading English and American Newspapers, Magazines and Periodicals, and many of those issued on the Continent. Lists and catalogues are accessible at my store, where any information will be gladly afforded. As Stationer. — I keep on hand a large and varied assortment of the best Writing Papers, of all sizes and qualities ; also of everything in the way of Stationers' Sundries, Leather Goods of all kinds, lilank Books, etc., etc. i-J-.- f;^ es As Bookbinder and Manufaoturiner Stationer. — This branch of my business being done in an extensive Jiindery, fitted up with the most approved machinery, and employing the best workmen, everything in this line can be executed, from tilie minutest book to the largest photograph album, and ^e fine bindings are equal in workmanship to the prodioc- tions of the leading binders in London or New York, A specialty is also made of the manufacture of Account Books for banks and merchants' offices, combining a tasteful style with the strength and durability which is necessary such books should possess. As Dealer in Educational Apparatus.^— I keep on hand that which is in general use : Globes, Wall Maps, etc., etc. Artists' Materials of all kinds. I have also, at the solicitation of many customers and teachers, added a new feature to my educa- tional department, which consists of all implements and materials required by the Botanical Collector in the pursuit of his studies. I will always keep in stock a full supply of these articles, and will be glad to submit specially low prices for classes where quantities are required. PARTIAL LIST OF IMPLEMENTS. ETC. Fern Knife, Trowel Knife, Colleotingr Box, Press (wire or wood), Drying Paper (specially manufactured for this purpose), Mountingf Paper, Cover Paper, Microscopic Slides (rough or ground edge), Oover Glasses (squares and circles). Magnifying Glasses (a great variety to select from), Histology Specimen Boxes, etc., etc. \ Prices quoted on application. ^^ Correspondence solicited. Mail orders receive prompt attention. wm sr oturtngr being done the most it workmen, from j^e um,and^e the produc- New York. of Account iombining a^ bility which >aratu8. — use: Globes, of all kinds, ly customers ;o my educa- l implements allector in the }ep in stock a lad to submit [uantities are S, ETC. CoUeotingr [ng Paper MountinfiT pic Slides ses (squares , great variety en Boxes, 1. attention-