2410 



Journal of Applied Microscopy 



This method stains the Neisser staininggranules of B. diphthericv, the gran- 

 ules, intracellular spores, and free spores of B. megatherium, and central and 

 polar granules in B. typhi, B. coli, and many other species. The granules men- 

 tioned may often be seen in unstained hanging block preparations. By a special 

 method, to be described later, individual bacteria may be focused upon, stained, 

 decolorized, restained, etc., while under observation. By this method, it has 

 been conclusively shown that the above described stain acts upon granules, etc., 

 which are normal to the cell, and not upon artefacts due to the stainer's process. 



HiBBERT WiNSLOw HiLL, Director. 

 Bacteriological Laboratory, Boston Board of Health. 



A Method for Moistening Court-plaster Strips Used in 

 Anchoring Mounted Specimens. 



The following simple contrivance (Fig. 1) for moistening the court-plaster 

 strips used in anchoring mounted botanical specimens has been found to greatly 

 expedite the work of anchoring. 



Two small oblong pieces of wood are covered on one side with a layer of 

 fine sponge, one half inch or more in thickness. The sponge can be fastened to 

 the boards with one ounce tacks. These sponge covered boards are fastened 

 to a heavy block, in such a manner as to bring the sponge layers in close con- 

 tact. 



U. 



C " 



Fig, 1. 



-a. Front of sponge board showing sponge lining ; b. Sponge 

 covered boards in position ; c. Sponge lining. 



To use this apparatus, moisten the sponges thoroughly. With a pair of 

 forceps grasp the courtplaster strip in the middle and draw down between the 

 wet sponge lining, so the ends of the strip fold together, exposing the gummed 

 surface to the sponges as it passes between them ; it is thus sufficiently moist- 

 ened to apply at once to the specimen. A soft cloth should be used to press 

 the plaster strip both to the mounted sheet and close against the specimen. 



Johnson and Johnson's surgeons' silk (isinglass plaster) moistens more 

 quickly than any other brands which have been used. 

 Bureau of Plant Industry. Karl F. KelLERMAN. 



