56 Botanical Microtechnique 



tion, and the slides can be handled more easily in the vertical posi- 

 tion. A well-built Coplin jar will hold 9 slides, staggered as shown 

 in Fig. 7.1 A. Some workers place slides into the grooves in pairs, 

 back to back, but this method does not gi\e the reagents free access 

 to both surfaces of a slide. For quantity production of slides, screw- 

 topped jars can be used in conjunction with various types of racks, 

 holding from 5 to 15 slides (Fig. 7.1 B) . Staining jars should be 

 cleaned occasional!)' in chromc-sidphuiic cleaning fluid. Avashed 



Fig. 7.1— .^, Top view of 

 Coplin staining jar 

 showing staggered ai- 

 lanoement of nine 

 slides: B, wire holder 

 for slides. 



thoroughly, and rinsed in distilled water. Jars that arc to contain 

 anhydrous reagents nuist be diied. Assemble a set of at least 15 jars 

 on a shallow wooden tray, on which the) can l)e carried about or 

 put out of the way easily. Label each jar in accordance with the 

 reagents used in Staining Chart I. Do not lai)tl water jais. because 

 the same jar is used for several changes of distilled water and tap 

 water by pouring out and refilling. 11 lids are not readih inteidiange- 

 able, label each lid to correspond with the matching jar. Do not 

 numljer your jars. Learn to reason out ea( h sic]) in the staining 

 process rather than to memorize a numerical secpiencc of operations. 

 Each jar should contain enough reageiu to comt the slides com]iletely. 



