t should contain a needful
quantity of smooth but strong and pliable paper (thin so-called Manilla
paper is best), either fastened at the back as in a book, or loose in
folded sheets when not very many specimens are required. As soon as
gathered, the specimens should be separately laid between the leaves or
in the folded sheets, and kept under moderate pressure in the closed
portfolio.

561. Of small herbs, especially annuals, the whole plant, root and all,
should be taken for a specimen. Of larger ones branches will suffice,
with some leaves from near the root. Enough of the root or subterranean
part of the plant should be collected to show whether it is an annual, a
biennial, or a perennial. Thick roots, bulbs, tubers, or branches of
specimens intended to be pressed should be thinned with a knife, or cut
into slices. Keep the specimens within the length of fifteen or sixteen
inches, by folding, or when that cannot be done, by cutting into
lengths.

562. =For Drying Specimens= a good supply of soft and unsized paper is
wanted; and some convenient means of applying considerable pressure. To
make good dried botanical specimens, dry them as rapidly as possible
between many thicknesses of sun-dried paper to absorb their moisture,
under as much pressure as can be given without crushing the more
delicate parts. This pressure may be had by a botanical press, of which
various forms have been contrived; or by weights placed upon a
board,--from forty to eighty or a hundred pounds, according to the
quantity of specimens drying at the time. For use while travelling, a
good portable press may be made of thick binders' boards for the sides,
and the pressure may be applied by strong straps with buckles. Still
better, on some accounts, are portable presses made of wire network,
which allow the dampness to escape by evaporation between the meshes.
For herborization in a small way, a light wire-press may be taken into
the field and made to serve also as a portfolio.

563. It is well to have two kinds of paper, namely, _driers_ of bibulous
paper, stitched into pads (or the pads may be of thick carpet-paper, cut
to size) and thin smooth paper, folded once; the specimens to be laid
into the fold, either when gathered or on returning from the excursion.
These sheets are to hold the specimens until they are quite dry. Every
day, or at first even twice a day, the specimens, left undisturbed in
their sheets, are to be shifted into fire-drie