3 12 Microscopy and some of its Uses. [Sess. 



having only a slight trace of endochrome, while the thick 

 clusters of branchlets are vivid green. We found another 

 Batrachospermum at Grasmere, and Mr Craig-Christie and 

 my brother found a third on the Pentlands, but we have not 

 been able to identify them. These Batrachospermums are 

 about the prettiest algse we have seen. 



Here ends the list of our chief treasures, and although they 

 may be common and well-known objects, they have had all the 

 charm of novelty for us. The study of microscopic life has 

 opened up quite a new world to us, and has invested every 

 pond and ditch with fresh interest. It is a doubly satisfactory 

 hobby, as we can pursue it out of doors in making excursions 

 to favourite haunts, and indoors in examining our finds at any 

 leisure time. Its one drawback is its fatal power of fascin- 

 ation : it is often very hard to tear ourselves away from the 

 microscope at bedtime ! I hope we may have been able, in 

 this short sketch, to give a few useful hints to any who are 

 thinking of taking up this interesting study, and we shall be 

 very glad to receive suggestions of any kind from those who 

 know more about the subject than ourselves. 



III.— MICROSCOPY AND SOME OF ITS USES. 



By Mr WM. BLACKLOCK. 



{Read Dec. 22, 1897.) 



We may distinguish two courses in microscopic studies. They 

 may be resorted to as a means of recreation and amusement, 

 or for the entertainment of friends ; and if one has the taste 

 to select or the skill to prepare suitable slides and apparatus, 

 there is an immense and interesting field open. Nor can 

 it be said, if we admit that the contemplation of propor- 

 tion, of harmony, and of beauty ranks among the highest 

 educational agencies, that this is a profitless or frivolous 

 course. The other course is that in which one takes to 



