96 ' TEE SEA SHORE 



circular cavity prepared in the slip itself. In either case the cell 

 must be quite full of water before the cover-glass is applied, so that 

 no air-bubbles are included. 



Hitherto we have spoken only of mounting small objects in 

 water, and this is advisable when the object is moist, whether 

 it be animal or vegetable, alive or dead. But dry objects may be 

 examined in the dry state, in which case they need not be covered- 

 If they are composed of transparent material they are to be dealt 

 with in the manner recommended before, as far as the management 

 of the light is considered ; that is, a moderately strong light is 

 sent through them by the reflector below the stage ; but opaque 

 objects are best examined on a dead black ground, the light being 

 directed on to them by means of a condensing lens placed between 

 them and the source of light. 



A collector who has done only a few days' work on the sea shore 

 will probably find himself the possessor of a host of interesting 

 objects that will afford much pleasure and instruction when placed 

 under the microscope objects, many of which have been somewhat 

 hastily deposited in a bottle of spirit or other preservative for 

 study in his future leisure moments. These objects, if small, may 

 be examined as above described, simply placing them under & 

 cover-glass, or in a cell, with a clear drop of the same liquid in 

 which they have been kept. 



The general characters of the larger objects may also be observed 

 by means of some kind of hand lens, but even these are generally 

 best examined under water or other suitable liquid. 



A great deal may be learnt of natural objects by preparing very 

 thin sections for microscopic examination ; and although special 

 works should be consulted if one desires to become proficient in 

 the different methods of cutting and preparing such sections, yet 

 a great amount of good work may be done with the aid of a sharp 

 razor, manipulated with nothing more than ordinary skill. 



Some objects, especially certain of those of the vegetable world, 

 are of such a nature that suitable sections may be cut, either from 

 the fresh or preserved specimen, without any preliminary prepara- 

 tion. All that is required is to hold the object firmly between the 

 finger and thumb of the left hand, previously securing it in some 

 kind of holder if necessary, and pare off the thinnest possible slices 

 with a horizontal movement of the razor, both razor and object 

 being kept very wet during the process. As the sections are cut 

 they may be allowed to drop into a shallow vessel of water ; and, 



