-3-2 Journal of Applied Microscopy. 



the same size as the top of the table, and on this pad is placed a piece of plate 

 glass, which projects about one-half inch beyond each edge of the table. The 

 rubber matting prevents the glass from slipping, insures, to a certain extent, 

 against breakage, offers a good background, and takes up much of the vibra- 

 tion. The glass removes the difficulties met with in the use of either wood or 

 slate ; it can be thoroughly disinfected, is easily cleaned, and is not unpleasant 

 for the one at work. It is found convenient to place colony counters and what- 

 ever measurements or formulas are^ frequently used in the space between the 

 glass and the rubber matting; here they are always ready for use and, at the 

 same time, are never in the way. Furthermore, the glass adds much to the gen- 

 eral appearance of the laboratory. During the three months which it has been 

 tried, this top has proved satisfactory. 



In addition to the rubber matting already referred to, another means of re- 

 ducing the vibration is found in the use of rubber corks placed in the bottom of 

 the table legs. A hole one-half inch in diameter is bored in the center of each leg, 

 and in this hole is inserted a rubber cork of such size that it extends about one- 

 eighth of an inch below the end of the table leg. While these do not eliminate 

 all the vibration, yet they are found to be quite efficient. 



F. R. Wright. 



Laboratory of Comparative Pathology and Bacteriology, New \'ork State Veterinary College, 

 Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. 



The Management of a Botanical Laboratory. 



Twenty-five years of experience in the management of botanical laboratories 

 may be my excuse for writing upon this topic, in the hope that some of the sug 

 gestions may be of service to the younger men who have to face the problem of 

 building up a laboratory with limited means. 



The Outfit. — It is scarcely necessary to say. that the room assigned to the 

 botanical laboratory should be well lighted, and that north windows are prefer- 

 able; that there should be water-taps, sink, draining board; that there should 

 be gas laid on, and with facilities for lighting and for free hose connections. There 

 should be solid tables of convenient form (I like V-shaped tables with heavy oak 

 tops, placed in front of each windt)w) of the proper height (To centimeters), and 

 on these should be gas-pipes with facilities for lighting and hose connections. 

 Chairs or stools of proper height (kitchen chairs are cheap and good, not as good 

 perhaps as the stools which may be adjusted to different heights), blackboards, 

 and the necessary shelving for material scarcely need comment. Individual lock- 

 ers are quite necessary and may be made at s)iiall cost, although the "Cornell 

 Laboratory Locker " (see this Journal, February ISDS) is much more useful. The 

 microscopes should be of the low "continental'' form, and supplied with at least 

 two objectives (one-half and one-sixth inch) and two oculars, one of which should 

 contain an ocular-micrometer, and must be so solidly constructed as to endure a 

 good deal of wear and tear. A double nosepiece is desirable, but not indispen- 

 sable. Rack and pinion for coarse adjustment is not desirable for use in the ear- 

 lier part of the student's work, since it seems impossible thus far for makers to 



