380 BRITISH SEA- WEEDS. 



superfluous liquid escapes from bcneatli^ wliicli can be re- 

 moved with small pieces of blotting-paper. After standing 

 for a little, the varnish gets firmer, and the object may be 

 sealed up as mentioned in the next mode. 



In using the varnish cell, having ascertained that the 

 walls are quite dry, their surface even, and the enclosed 

 space free from dust, we may proceed to prepare an object. 

 A thin glass cover having been selected, a slight degree 

 smaller than the exterior edge of the cell to be used for 

 cementing the cover, the preserving fluid, with an object 

 suitably proportioned in size and thickness, is laid out on 

 the centre, and the glass cover thereafter carefully laid on. 

 It is better to have rather too much than too little liquid, 

 as what remains can be sucked up with blotting paper, and 

 the operator must not be disappointed if he fails frequently 

 in excluding the air. In a short time it is ready to seal up, 

 by giving over the edges of the thin glass a thin coating of 

 varnish. After standing on a dead level for twenty-four 

 hours, a second and third coat should be given ; and if the 

 colour of the Japan varnish is not liked, a coat of sealing- 

 wax varnish will make a nice finish. 



The gutta pcrcha cells are used much in the same way ; 

 the surface of the cell getting a slight coating of varnish before 



