Notes. 1 591 



anilin brown is used. The dried specimens are simply treated with the 

 coloring fluid, which moistens and stains without removing them from 

 the glass. For mounting as permanent objects, only those stained with 

 methyl-violet or fuchsin can be preserved in Canada balsam. Glycerin is 

 best for those stained in anilin brown, and potassic-acetate may be em- 

 ployed with the methyl-violet and fuchsin for photographic purposes. 

 A more rapid process, perhaps more suited to the wants of medical prac- 

 titioners, is that of Dr. W. A. Haupt. The coloring matter (hsema- 

 toxylin, anilin violet, fuchsin, erythrusin and others in aqueous solu- 

 tion) is added to the fluid containing the Fungi, and when sufficiently 

 stained, as shown by the microscope, thin layers are dried on the slide» 

 and mounted. Hsematoxylin is highly spoken of. Bacterium termo is 

 the most difficult to color well. Both processes are given more fully in 

 the. Zeitsc/irift ftir Mikroskopte, 1878 ; but by following this brief outline 

 success will be assured. 



— It appears, from the remarks of Prof. W. C. Williamson, before the 

 Dublin Meeting of the British Association, that we have, as yet, no 

 proof that Radiolarian or Diatom remains have been found in the 

 Carboniferous rocks of Britain. 



— Dr. Lang, of Berne, uses the following mixture for preserving Plan- 

 aria, and finds that the color and histological characters are retained i 

 Distilled water .... 100 parts by weight. 

 Sodium chloride .... 6-10 " " 



Glac. acetic acid .... 5-8 " " 



Mercury chloride .... 3-12 " " 



Alum ;^ " 



This fluid kills the worm in its natural shape. After half an hour, 

 remove the fluid and harden in alcohol of increasing strength up to 

 absolute. For staining, picro-carmine is preferred. 



— We have received from Mr. ToUes and Mr. Stodder, of Boston, an 

 admirable photograph of Amphiphura pellucida, taken with a Tolles's 

 i-ioth. The frustule was magnified 2,500 diameters, and the lines are 

 seen well defined throughout its entire length. 



— The Zoological Laboratory of Prof. Alexander Agassiz, situated 

 at Newport, R. L, as described in the annual report of the Curator of 

 the Cambridge Museum of Comparative Zoology, appears to be admir- 

 ably adapted to the wants of students. It is fitted up with tanks sup- 

 plied with sea-water, with all the arrangements for aerating ; and so 

 perfectly is this carried out that the most delicate animals can be kept 

 living much longer than is usual in aquaria. Prof. Agassiz designs to 

 accommodate in this laboratory students of the museum, and also 

 teachers in the common schools. 



— The Johns Hopkins University has established a summer laboratory 

 for the study of Zoology. It is situated on the Chesapeake Bay, and 

 is under the charge of Associate W. K. Brooks, who has already showa 



