How do you place a reed in a tenor saxophone?

i have a rico royal 2 1/2 reed but I have no idea on how to put the reed into the mouthpiece

the flat part that says rico and 2 1/2 should be facing the mouthpiece part. line up the tip of the reed with the tip of the mouthpiece and use the metal or plastic part that has 2 screws or in some 1 (aka ligature) and tighten.

The first person has it about right. Just make sure that you completely tighten the ligature. Sometimes if it isn't all the way in it may squeak (well at least that is what happens to me)

Man, I'm glad I don't have to hear you practice if you don't even know where the reed goes. Just joking!

Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure the reed lines up with the 'rails' on the mouthpiece (the flat part that seats the reed) - it should be perfectly centered. Also, many reeds have a slight line or groove cut across the smooth part of the cane. Line up the front of the ligature with this line and make sure that the tip of the reed lines up just below (a hair's width)the tip of the mouthpiece.

Everyone else has it right, but if you're using a real reed don't forget to wet it- just put it in your mouth while you're getting the sax set up, just don't bite in it or damage the tip, If you're using a plastic reed (Legere is a good brand) you don't have to wet it. Remember to take the reed off the mouthpiece when you're finished so you can clean it, or it will get NASTY.