March, '08] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 139 



val ocelli the compound eyes of the adult are partially developed. 

 Moreover, as in some of the Tcncbrio larvae there are present 

 more antennal segments than in the normal larvae, an approach 

 to the condition of the adult. Certain other abnormalities 

 whose significance is not clear, were noted by Mr. Powell. I 

 am under obligations to him for permission to use the data 

 relative to his specimen, but it is to be hoped that he may 

 return to his studies and present a fuller account of this inter- 

 esting abnormality. 



Two WORKSHOP NOTES. In examining dried specimens of insects 

 and in "posing" them for photographing it is often desirable to change 

 the position of a wing, leg or antenna without disturbing other parts 

 and without waiting to soften the whole specimen in a moist chamber. 

 This may be done with larger insects by the use of a small camel's 

 hair brush and boiling water. The brush, placed in the water, takes 

 up a small drop which may be applied directly to the joint or part 

 to be softened. A few rapid passes of the brush from the water to the 

 part are sufficient, but it is desirable to have the specimen but a few 

 inches from the water to prevent the drop from cooling. A small 

 dish of water on a tripod heated by an alcohol lamp is convenient for 

 this purpose. Parts moved in this way become fixed again as soon 

 as dry. 



The compound microscope with low powers is often used in place 

 of the hand lense in examining pinned specimens. While in rapid 

 work it is more convenient to simply hold the pin in the fingers, steady- 

 ing the hand on the stage of the microscope, it is frequently the case 

 that a longer or more careful examination is desirable. For holding 

 specimens under the compound microscope the writer uses an ordi- 

 nary tapering cork stopper fastened to a microscopical slide at about 

 one-fourth the distance from one end. Canada balsam may be used 

 for fastening the cork to the glass. Heat a drop of balsam on the 

 slide long enough to make it brittle when cold, and while still warm 

 press the large end of the cork into the balsam and allow to cool. 

 Where a mechanical device for moving slides on the stage, such as 

 is made by the Spencer Lens Co. or the Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., 

 is in use, the slide may be placed in the clamps of the attachment and 

 tlu- specimen, pinned to the side of the cork, may be moved with pre- 

 cision. R. A. COOLEY, Bozeman, Montana. 



