THE society's NOTE-BOOKS. 191 



Spectrum is substantially that of so-called " Chlorophyll." An 

 examination of a number of different specimens of Cantharides 

 results in a general confirmation of this spectrum, but various 

 differences are discoverable in the spectra afforded by various 

 specimens, all of which, however, are comparable with the spectra 

 given by " Chlorophyll " from the leaves of different plants, and 

 there is, I think, no doubt, that whatever may be the cause of the 

 general colour of the wing-cases, this specific green colour is due 

 to the presence of " Chlorophyll " derived from such plants as the 

 insect has fed upon during its life. For details of the mode of 

 examination pursued, see " Pharmaceutical Journal," Vol. III., 

 pp. 68i — 949. 



H. POCKLINGTON. 



PREPARATION AND MOUNTING. 



Bleaching Leaves. — I am much interested in examining the 

 leaf-tissues diiririg the process of bleaching, noting in particular the 

 various conditions of the cell-contents, starch, raphides, etc. And 

 in many instances I prefer to mount such specimens afonce (after 

 well washing) in glycerine jelly. 



Chlorinated soda is easily made by adding a saturated solution 

 of common washing Soda to a saturated solution of Chloride of 

 Lime, until all the chalk is thrown down ; then filter, and keep 

 in a dark place. 



John E. Ingpen. 



One would primarily expect that the full action of Alcohol, 

 Chlorine, etc., would be more rapid in delicate leaves than in thick 

 ones (especially when of coriaceous texture), but this is not uniformly 

 the case. I have roughly experimented with various kinds carefully 

 selected, both whole and in pieces, — thick and thin, — succulent 

 and coriaceous, — veined and reticulated ; and I have noticed the 

 degree and character of their permeability as individuals, but have 

 not yet acquired sufficient information to warrant any general 

 classification. I commend to the notice of those who care to take 

 up this subject, the common Arabis aibida, to be found in almost 

 every garden ; leaves of it bleach rapidly in Chloride of Lime 

 alone, and give charming results. I could make half-a-dozen slides 

 of Arabis leaf, all different in appearance, and vying with each 

 other in beauty. 



W. Teasdale. 



