CHAPTER VI 



EXAMINATION OF MARINE OBJECTS DISSECTION 



AN enthusiastic observer of nature will learn much concerning the 

 structure of natural objects with the unaided eye, but there are 

 times when he will desire some kind of magnifier to reveal more 

 perfectly the structure of minute parts, or to enable him to observe 

 the small creatures that are invisible to the naked eye. Further, 

 one may learn many interesting and instructive facts relating to 

 animal arid plant life by cutting sections for close examination, or 

 by making such simple dissections as will enable one to observe 

 the more salient features of internal structure ; we therefore 

 propose in the present chapter to make a few remarks and 

 suggestions regarding work of this kind. 



A pocket magnifier is of great value to the young naturalist, 

 both for the inspection of natural objects while engaged in out- 

 door work, and for the subsequent examination of the specimens 

 collected for study. It is often necessary to enable one to identify 

 and classify small animals and plants, and will be in constant 

 demand for the purpose of studying the less conspicuous external 

 features. Such an instrument should be regarded as an essential 

 companion of the naturalist, and should accompany him on every 

 ramble. 



There are several different forms of pocket lenses, but for 

 general work there is, perhaps, nothing more convenient and service- 

 able than the ' triplet ' magnifier. It is a combination of three 

 lenses, enclosed in a pocket case, and so arranged that they may 

 be used separately or in combination, thus supplying a variety 

 of powers. The three lenses of the triplet are themselves of 

 different magnifying powers, and these powers may be increased 

 by combining two or all of them. 



For work at home a ' dissecting microscope ' is very useful. 



