218 MUSEUM NOTES NO. VI.
Herbarium. They have been, however, gone through and record
taken of the species represented. (3) The third point was the
definite sifting of varietal names with a view to the final
inclusion of the specimen under the specific name of the
British Museum List. This was the least mechanical and
therefore the most interesting work. (4) The fourth point
was the important question whether or not the specimens,
mounted as they were on paper of varying size and thick-
ness, should for uniformity's sake be remounted. This task
seemed not only too big, but also unnecessary, and indeed
undesirable in view of the fact that in the future there will
doubtless be a constant supply of fresh material to be dealt
with, and but little time at the disposal of the authorities in
which to deal with it. The plan adopted therefore was to have
enfolding species covers of a paper much lighter in weight than
the enfolding genus covers, and somewhat smaller in size, but
sufficiently large and accurately enfold the larger specimen
sheets that were to be dealt with. In the case of certain species,
e.g., the many species of the Genus Ranunculus, the species in
the British Museum List are for reference sake numbered. This
plan also was adopted.
The number of species included in the British Museum List
is 1,577, of which there are absent from the Herbarium of the
Essex Field Club 241 species. Out of 529 genera only 25 are
not represented at all. The possession of more than 1,300
species places the Herbarium already in the front rank of
county Herbaria, and to perfect the work is a task that will do
credit to the present generation of workers.
A word of explanation as to how the Herbarium may be
consulted is perhaps not out of place. A student wishing
to refer, say, to the genus Senecio will refer to the British
Museum List. In the index at the end of this he will find that
Senecio is to be found on page 16. Referring to page 16, he
will find that this is "Genus 225," and an ink note will
direct him to the number of the cabinet in which this genus
is to be found. Having the Genus-cover open before him,
he will there find on the inside of the Genus-cover the species
numbered (there being in this genus a sufficient number to
warrant this). In removing the enfolding Species-covers to
reach the one he seeks, they may perhaps, without hurt, be