X( )TES. 433 



Rest assured that some new and interesting fact can still be 

 learned by the observant oologist about even our commonest birds. 

 A small, thoroughly identified, well prepared, and neatly-cared- 

 for collection, even if only a local one, is worth far more scientifi- 

 cally, and in every way, than a more extensive one obtained by 

 exchange or purchase." 



To Colour Articles of Celluloid.* — According to the 

 Giinimi Zeitung, celluloid can be stained almost exactly like ivory. 

 The following are some of tlie formulae suggested: — 



Black. — Plunge the article first in weak lye and then into a 

 weak solution of silver nitrate, and let dry in a strong light. 

 Blue. — A solution of indigo, rendered nearly neutral by the addi- 

 tion of potash, gives indigo blue. Prussian-blue solution, or, 

 better still a bath of iron chloride, followed by one of ferro- 

 cyanide of potassium, gives a dark blue. Green. — A solution of 

 verdigris. Yelloiu. — Di[} first in a solution of lead nitrate, and 

 then into a solution of yellow potassium chromate. Browti. — 

 Solution of potassium permanganate rendered alkaline with soda. 

 Red. — Dip hrst in a weak solution of nitric acid and then into an 

 ammoniacal solution of carmine. Purple. — Dip into a solution of 

 gold chloride and place in the sunlight. 



An Excellent Label Paste for Slides. — Having experi- 

 mented a good deal with the view of getting a paste that will not 

 separate from the slide, the National Druggist (xxiii., p. 6) says, 

 we can heartily recommend the following : — 



Dissolve four ozs. of picked gum arable in eight ozs. of water. In 

 another vessel make a paste with i oz. of gum tragacanth in 4 ozs. 

 of water. Mix the solution and the paste and strain the mixture 

 through a linen handkerchief. To the colate add 2 ozs. of glyce- 

 rine, in which has been dissolved 30 grs. of corrosive sublimate, 

 and mix well. Thus prepared, the paste will keep almost indefi- 

 nitely, and it will stick paper to almost anything. Some slides 

 labelled with it several years ago still retain their labels firmly 

 attached, while the labels put on with gum arable, dextrine, etc., 

 have all loosened. 



Jersey Biological Station. — This station, which comprises 

 Laboratory, Aquarium, Scientific Reference Library, and Type 

 Museum, is now completed and ready for the reception of students 



* National Druggist, xxiil. (1893), p. 27. 



Lvternational Journal of Microscopy and Natural Science. 



Third Series. Vol. III. F F . 



