Jan. 1, 1SGG.] 



SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 



13 



Manilla Hem?, the produce of a species of plan- 

 tain (vol. i. p. 232) called by botanists Musa 

 textilis, presents but little variation from other endo- 

 genous fibres, except in the presence of distinct 

 cross-markings (fig. 18, c). 



Fig-. 18. a. Pineapple; b. New Zealand flax ; c. Manilla 

 hemp. 



The New Zealand Elax (Plionnium ten ax) has a 

 peculiar flossy appearauce under the microscope. 

 (Eig IS, b.) 



Of a vastly different character are the coarser 

 fibres, which remain to be noticed. 



Fig. ig. a. Cocoa-nut coir; b. Ejoo. 



Corn, the product of the cocoa-nut palm {Cocos 

 rti/c/fcra), (fig. 19, a), and Ejoo, the black fibres 

 which surround the bases of the leaf-stalks and 

 trunk of the Gomuti palm (Sc. Gos., vol. i. p. 77), 



Arevcja sacharifera. The figures of these fibres 

 (fig. 19) will render description unnecessary. 



It is desirable that the investigations thus com- 

 menced should be proceeded with, that a larger 

 number of fibres should be examined, and their cha- 

 racters ascertained, and especially that those already 

 examined should he viewed with higher powers, sub- 

 jected to chemical action, and viewed under all cir- 

 cumstances. Polarization may bring new features 

 into notice, and boiling in nitric acid should be 

 tried. The figures in the Micrographical Dictionary, 

 which exhibit some of the foregoing fibres after 

 treatment with nitric acid, may be referred to, as in- 

 dicating that the present is only initiative of a larger 

 and more comprehensive work which still remains 

 to be accomplished. 



At the last meeting of the Quekett Microscopical 

 Club, a sub-committee was appointed to examine 

 microscopically the different varieties of commercial 

 fibres, with the view of ascertaining if distinct cha- 

 racters could be found whereby one kind might be 

 discriminated from another, and to report thereon. 



SIMPLE OBJECTS.-X. 



The Scale or the Perch. 



'A r 



FISH scales are readily available for micro- 

 scopic objects, and those of the Sole are often 

 recommended ; but the scale of the common fresh 

 water Perch is quite as interesting, and less 

 commonly used. Those of the Roach and Dace are 

 by no means to be despised. Scales are generally 

 mounted dry, being first cleaned; but when it is 

 intended to view them with the polariscopc, they 

 must be mounted in balsam. There is so much of 

 character in the scales of different species of fish 

 that it is a matter for surprise that so few of the 

 cabinets of amateurs contain even a respectable 

 series. There are no difficulties to be surmounted 

 either in procuring, cleaning, or mounting them ; 

 and perhaps this is one reason why they have not 

 had the attention they deserve.* 



* Consult " Micrographic Dictionary," p. 6o7, and " Davies 

 on Preparing and Mounting Microscopic Objects," pp. 53, 78. 



