4 Methods in Plant Histology 



draw false conclusions or to become scholastic grafters, according 

 as the assistant is mediocre or talented. Some time-honored theories 

 would have been abandoned long ago if certain prominent investi- 

 gators had not relied upon comparatively untrained assistants for 

 their mounts. Benjamin Franklin's advice, "If you would have 

 your business done, go; if not, send," applies very well to the case 

 in hand. 



Finally, do not imagine that you must make an elaborate perma- 

 nent mount before material is worth examining with the microscope. 

 Look at living material whenever possible; make freehand sections, 

 or tease with needles, and thus make that preliminary survey which 

 should always precede the study of permanent mounts. 



