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I. Collecting

Although this pamphlet is primarily intended merely to help in identifying plants, it is hoped that it may stimulate some readers to become interested in collecting and preserving plant specimens. It is unlikely that you will ever again find yourself in a place where the flora is so little known or where an even limited effort in collecting would contribute so much to science. The following paragraph is quoted from Plant Collecting by the Armed Services, by Egbert H. Walker, The Bulletin of the U. S. Army Medical Department, No. 33, December 1944.

"Every man in the service, medical or otherwise, has a rare opportunity to engage in the fascinating and highly worthwhile occupation of collecting scientific plant specimens for our great institutions. Already a number of servicemen have found this pursuit an enjoyable recreation, and their collections have proved to be of great scientific value. Specimens have been received from parts of the world where no collections were ever made, but these are only a drop in the bucket compared with what could be gathered if the men in the services realized the importance of the material to our large reference collections. The plants that you see every day about you really are desired in scientific collections."

A few points on collecting are emphasized here. It is most important to collect the whole plant, including the roots--the lower leaves and roots are sometimes critical in identification. A plant once collected rapidly wilts and becomes worthless as a specimen unless wilting is prevented artificially. As you collect them wrap your specimens in wet newspapers, or place them in a closed box or tin can of suitable size. Keep a record of the habitat of the plant (e.g., in low elevation tundra, on sandy beaches, in rocky ground at high elevation, near streams, in marshes, etc.). Dry your specimens in a press as soon as possible--rapid drying at low temperatures, 70°-100°, is the secret of preserving as much color as possible. In the appendix there are suggestions regarding presses. Remember to change driers frequently, at least once a day until the plant is nearly dry. Label your specimens, giving habitat, date, your name, number of the specimen, and any other items of particular interest, such as flower color, etc. Numbering start with 1 and number consecutively. Do not give the same number to two plants collected at different times or different places. Finally, if you find a plant which seems to be rare, collect it sparingly--the plant may be a newcomer to the island and just establishing itself.

In the appendix is given in full a note prepared to accompany letters written in answer to inquiries concerning plant collecting for the U. S. National Herbarium.