16 



The Use of a Simple Microscope. 



We come now to the second group of vascular fibres, namely, 

 those afforded by endogenous plants, of which the most important 

 is that afforded by the pine-apple. Under the microscope they 



Fig. 11.— a. Pine-apple. Z). New Zealand flax. c. Manilla hemp. 



have a somewhat opalescent, glass-like appearance, and are very 

 refractive. 



New Zealand flax (Pho7'nmim tenax) has a peculiar flossy 

 appearance under the microscope. 



Manilla hemp, the produce of a species of plantain, presents 

 but little variation from other endogenous fibres, except by the 

 presence of distinct cross-markings. Cocoa-nut coir and Ejoo 

 (Fig.l2) are sufficiently distinct to render description unnecessary. 



It will be seen that the difference between cotton, wool, silk, 

 cocoa-nut fibre, ejoo, jute, and flax, is of so marked a character 

 as to be readily distinguishable even by the veriest tyro, but the 

 diagrams representing Chinese nettle, Neilgherry nettle, bariala, 

 and the hemps, show that the difference between them is less 

 marked ; in such cases where the difference depends more 

 on texture of the surface, tint, or degree of opacity, than on 

 the outline and configuration of the object, illustrations will 

 afford less assistance ; yet such distinctions are readily appre- 

 ciable by the eye from the object itself under microscopic 

 examination ; and hence it is that a careful examination of the 

 objects themselves is absolutely essential for acquiring a sound 

 knowledge of any particular subject. 



In the case of seeds, &c., where size, shape, and marking, 

 always present the same appearances, there is little to confuse, 



