84 MICROSCOPIC OBJECTS. 



collecting mosses, it is essential to preserve them with 

 the theca (seed-vessel) ; for without it the genera cannot 

 be determined, while this part, and the calyptra and 

 operculum, are the most valuable for the microscope. 



Petals of Flowers. — ^The disposition and form of the 

 cellules of some petals, and the colouring-matter within 

 them, form excellent microscopic objects, and when 

 mounted in Canada balsam are permanent. Among the 

 most interesting are the petals of the Pelargoniums and 

 Geraniums. — Power 30 to 100 diameters. 



Petal of the Anagallis, — ^The Scarlet Chickweed is a 

 very beautiful microscopic object. The spiral vessels 

 diverging from the base of the petal, and the singular httle 

 cellules which fringe the edge, are worthy of notice. — 

 Power 100 diameters. 



Seeds. — ^The Catalogue contains many curious varieties 

 in the forms of seeds, also many whose surfaces are 

 elegantly engraved and sculptured. The Galinsogea par- 

 viflora is surrounded by a ring of radial leaflets, which 

 form a pretty httle stellate group. 



The seeds of Orchideous plants, especially some species 

 of the Epidendron, resemble silken net purses. The 

 winglets of the seeds of the SoitcI, Eccremocarpus, &c., 

 when mounted in Canada balsam and viewed under a 

 shallow power, are beautiful objects. 



The septa between the seeds of the Bladder Ketmia 

 are worthy of microscopic examination. 



Seeds are chiefly interesting as opaque bodies when 

 illuminated with a silver reflector under a power of 30 to 

 80 diameters. 



