Herbarium

(ŭr-ba're-um,) or HORTUS SICCUS. [L., a dry garden.) (Bot.) A collection of specimens of plants carefully dried and preserved. The plants should be placed between sheets of porous paper as soon as po ible after being gathered, and subjected to pre ure. The paper should be repeatedly changed until the plants are thoroughly dry. They should then be mounted on sheets of strong paper, either by means of a strong solution of gum, or of slips of gummed paper. If well prepared, an H. is exceedingly useful to the botanist. The name of the genus and species of plant should be written down, the place where it was found, the nature of the soil, and the season of the year at which it was procured. The specimens may be collected into orders and cla es, and labelled and preserved in a portfolio or cabinet. [s. 451]