After the wonders of the frozen specimens we moved to the area of a much older technique of storing plant material which is still used today, pressed plant material. The herbarium specimens ranged in age but were all impressive, especially with all the historical persons with whom each had connections.
Before we get there however we need to use the lift.....
Not once but twice someone being a gentlemen allows the others to get in the lift, only for when he gets in for the lift to say overloaded....
It will not stop him eating cake at the shows tho
Here we go the herbarium
I'm not even going to list all the names on display, just lets be honest and say we were all in awe...
Just when you think you have seen some memorable items it seems to get better.
How about samples from the first voyage of the Beagle, collected by Banks and Solander.
This is the first collected sample and also identified Banksia....such an iconic plant.
Other samples do not have such a good story for this one apparently is now extinct
Other material we saw had its significance, newer subjects pressed and labelled in the same way as older subjects.
We still use this form of herbarium specimens today.
Modern technology is however starting to help with the digitising of all specimens in the herbarium it will take years. The photos of the plates is the easy bit. The deciphering of the field notes is the bit that takes a while longer, a lot of collectors were doctors!! Also not all field notes are on the front some additional information is on the reverse.
Some of the modern samples have helpful map locations.
The tour probably created more intrigue and a list of questions from all who joined us.
I for one so want to visit again.
The day would not have been the same without meeting up for a long lunch.
A fabulous day of which I have only skimmed the surface.
Great company.
Here's to many more outings.
