In regard to the wet / spirit preserved botanical material question, here at the Smithsonian, the Algal group has been raising similar concerns about chemicals of choice for preserving fresh / marine algal specimens. We are currently under SI Safety Office constraints in regard to EtOH storage of specimens.

Our current procedures entail the initial preservation of specimens in 5% formalin in (sea / fresh) water, buffered with borax. A dry herbarium sheet is prepared from this material, and an appropriate portion then transferred to 70% EtOH (with the exception of Corallines which are left in 5% formalin) for long term storage.

Due to the concerns of the Safety Office, we have been experimenting with the use of Carolina Biological Supply s Caro- Safe (Ethylene Glycol) as an alternative to use of formalin and/or EtOH preservation and storage. The material does seem to preserve well, and appears to be in good condition. However, we do not, yet have any information concerning staining, or other characteristics that might prove to be a problem for researchers in the future. Carolina Biological has been using the preservative for some time with no apparent problems.

We would be very interested in any comments or information that others might have gathered. We likewise had considered writing other herbaria in order to compile other researchers methods of wet preservation.

ROBERT H. SIMS, DEPT. BOTANY PHONE (202) 357-2562 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, NHB-166 FAX (202) 786-2563 WASHINGTON, DC 20560 INTERNET RSIMS at SIVM.SI.EDU ?? Botanical Spirit Collection `