NATURE NOTES. 287 
The specimen is first placed in Joré’s fluid for twelve hours 
or so, then removed, washed carefully in running water to 
get: rid of excess of the fluid, and transferred to methylated 
spirit until the colour, which may have somewhat faded 
by action of the fluid, is, as far as possible, restored ; 
withdrawn, lightly rinsed in water, and transferred to a 
solution composed of 
Glycerine, . : : 10 per cent. 
Formalin, . ‘ , 2 * 
Water to make . E 100 - 
The above treatment, modified as experience may suggest, 
deserves further and wider trial. 
As indicated at the beginning of this note, the use of a 
negative fluid was tried. The plant was warmed in the 
pure liquid sulphur—tfree paraffin of the British Pharma- 
copeeia in order to get rid of air and part of the moisture 
in the tissues, and also to destroy bacteria, spores of 
moulds, etc., and when the heating was judged sufficient, 
allowed to cool and a further portion of paraffin added, 
containing menthol sufficient to make the whole 0°25 per 
cent. Omitting details of manipulation, it might be found 
a useful way of keeping tiny agarics. 
In the foregoing there is little reference to working 
details, but one or two points may be added here. Where 
the specific gravity of the fluid is such as to cause the plant 
to float, it can be readily kept immersed by anchoring it by 
a thread to a piece of solid glass rod. By painting a third 
of the external circumference of the glass bottle or jar 
throughout its length with a contrast enamel the results are 
much improved, the distinguishing features being more 
readily seen. Sealing is best performed when a cork is used, 
by pushing it down below the level of rim of jar or bottle, 
and pouring into the depression a quantity of liquified hard 
white paraffin. If the bottle or jar is closed by a glass stopper, 
the junction can be effectually sealed either by paraffin as 
above or painting with enamel. THOS. ALEXANDER. 
