Journal of Applied Microscopy. 



329 



Long tables may be placed endwise in front of a window, and thus give good 

 light. Fig. 7 gives the best light as far as interference is concerned. Prof. 

 Ward says, "There is very great advantage in the sloping sides, since it enables 

 one to get better light at a distance from the window, and that without the risk of 

 the illumination being interrupted by the movements of the student who sits next 

 to the window." 



Short tables, or individual tables, can be bunched, and thus offer the same 

 advantages as long ones. This is true of Figs, o, 4, 5, 0, and S. Four tables in 

 a row, in Fig. 8, with the first one next the wall, take IG feet. Two rows, back 

 to back, accommodate eight students. If placed in front of a window, there is 



Fig. 7. Top view of table at University of Nebraska. 



good opportunity for sufficient light without interference. Short tables have the 

 advantage, that they may be associated in any way to suit the space one has, or 

 to accommodate the needs of the individuals using them. If long tables are 

 placed parallel to windows, some students must sit with backs to the light, or 

 half of the table is unused. With short tables, small space may be utilized 

 where light may be obtained, and at the same time, by bunching, all the con- 

 veniences of large tables are secured. 



As to drawer space for students. Students in chemistry are provided with 

 plenty of room for flasks, burettes, platinum, beakers, etc., with extra space for 

 large pieces of apparatus. There is no reason why students in biology should 

 not have as much material, apparatus, and space in proportion to the needs in 

 the work as should students in chemistry. It is claimed for the long tables, and 

 by high authority, that it is easier to pass apparatus and books to students when 

 at long tables. Should not the question be, " What is best for the student ? " 

 rather than, "What is easiest for the instructor attending?" Moreover, in most 

 of the work in biological lines it should not be necessary to pass books and 

 material. Each student certainly should have his own for his laboratory period, 

 at least, which is usually two hours. The books and material are therefore 

 given at the beginning of the work, and for this it seems it would be no more 

 difficult to hand it to him at one place than at another. This is true whether 



