Martin, F. W.
Pollen collection utilizing the Cottrell-Dormer flashlight-mounted buzzer, sometimes called the artificial bee, has been expedited by modification of the collecting apparatus and the use of gelatin capsules to catch and store the pollen, as diagrammed below. A small washer (a) of three-sixteenths inch inside diameter was soldered in a horizontal position to the vibrating tip of the buzzer. A flexible coil spring slightly more than one-fourth inch in diameter held in place by a strap of metal (c) soldered to the battery case was placed directly below the washer. One-half of a size 0 gelatin capsule (d) is placed in the spring in order to catch pollen. The unused capsules are stored at room temperature in a mason jar containing a mal amount of a suitable dessicant such as calcium chloride. Pollen is vibrated from the flower by inserting the anther column in the center hole of the washer and activating the buzzer. After collection, the pollen is secured by covering with the matching half-capsule. Many pollen-containing capsules may be stored in a small dessicator at 32 deg. F in the usual fashion. Ater use, the pollen-collecting tip should be washed free of pollen with ethyl alcohol. A small wood block with holes of suitable diameter serves as a useful and effective holder. Gelatins capsules offer several advantages over glass cups. The latter have to be specially blown and they are not workable unless rather close specifications are met. The problem of cleaning and sterilizing is avoided since capsules are disposable. Capsules are more convenient; their caps prevent spilling of pollen--a serious problem with glass cups.