Bulletin - United States National Museum - Smithsonian Institution

FLORA OF WASHINGTON AND VICINITY. 213
Often, as in many Crucifercv, all these can be found combined in the same
specimen at once, but in most cases it requires at least two separate col-
lections at different times in the season. Where fruit can be found
attached to the stem and leaves, this is of course the preferable way,
since it leaves no possible doubt as to the identity of both. This sliould
therefore be done as long as the size of the fruit will permit, and is
recommended in the case of all acorns, and even in hickory-nuts. In the
case of larger fruits, such as the walnut, the crab-apple, or the x)ersim-
mon, the fruit can be collected separately, properly labeled, and kept in
drawers or boxes.
The essential apparatus for collecting consists of a portfolio and ai
small garden trowel. In place of the latter a very large, stout knife
may be used, but the results are far less satisfactory. The former is
quite indispensable. The traditional tin box of the school books is now
generally rejected except for mosses and certain aquatics, when it is made
to carry over the shoulder by means of a strap. The beginner will have
no use for it. Portfolios are variously made, usually 12 l)y 18 inches in
size and admitting of being expanded to the thickness of 3 or 4 inches,
and having handles with which to carry them in the hand, and often also
straps and buckles for carrying them over the shoulders. They should
be partially filled with paper, which, when once folded, shall be of nearly
the same size as the portfolio, either sewed to the back or held there by
some other device. Various attempts have been made to invent a suita-
ble form of ijortfolio, some of which embody valuable suggestions, but
the greater part of which are specious impostures calculated to tempt
the uninitiated, who, after having invested in them, throw them aside the
next season lor something more simple and i^ractical. !N"othing can be
more ridiculous than some of these patent impositions which are Avidely
advertised and puffed in the newspapers and even in scientific periodi-
cals. I have one in mind now which, among other absurdities, had
arrangements for the systematic classification and permanent labeling
of the specimens as soon as collected ! No attempt need be made to
keep a portfolio genteel, especially within. By the time it has been
well filled out a few times with moist plants and muddy roots, all the
fancy paper that is put into it will have lost its charm. No delusion is
greater, either, than that, by having wire for the sides, or no matter
how bibulous paper inside, the necessity for taking the plants out of
the portfolio and putting them through the regular process of drying
can be obviated. Those who believe these things merely ruin a few col-