32 HALF-AN-HOUR 



is placed at the edge of a covering-glass on a slide (not under), 

 and then made to melt, it will run under it in a very fine film and 

 crystallise on cooling. But before this takes place, it should be 

 placed on the stage of the microscope, with the polarising appa- 

 ratus ready, so as to watch the process of crystallisation. I con- 

 sider the effects far exceed that of most polariscopic objects. The 

 same specimen carefully re-melted can be used over and over 

 again. If the Thymol is allowed to crystallise in a dense form, 

 some fine combinations of crystals can be obtained ; but I greatly 

 prefer the thin plates under the cover. 



Ibalf^an^'lbour at tbe fiDicroacope, 



mitb mv. UnUcn Mest, jf^XS^ ff-1R-/in)*S,, etc 



Plates 6, 7. 



On Placing Slides into the Boxes.— In other societies, on a 

 member bringing forward a specimen, he enters into a description 

 of it, with more or less detail : — how it was obtained, and where ; 

 how prepared ; draws attention to the peculiarities of structure 

 presented ; their adaptations ; the observed connections with 

 related objects ; notes follow on anything of interest and mode of 

 life; finally, sketches are presented, which in all well-regulated 

 societies eventually make their appearance in " Proceedings " or 

 "Transactions" for permanent record of work done. I have sought 

 to show how the thing should be done. The more nearly our 

 proceedings approach to those of other societies, the more stable 

 and satisfactory will be our progress. We w?/^/ seek to have a 

 permanent record of our work, and by each putting his shoulder 

 to the wheel this will in time be secured. 



[This was written in 1875. Mr. Tuffen West's wish for a 

 permanent record has been attained. — Editor.] 



Oak Branch (trans, sec.).— Good sUdes may be made by taking 

 the piece of branch fresh, slicing it just as it comes from the tree, 

 putting it then and there into glycerine, and after a time,_ when 

 this has thoroughly penetrated, sealing up. For vegetable tissues, 

 glycerine has no equal. Sections which I have had lying by me 



