72 THE MICROSCOPE. May 
It is well to change this aicohol at least once during 
this time. On taking the slides from the alcohol detach 
them, leaving the insect adhering to one of them. It 
must now be raised with caution seizing it with a pair 
of fine pincers upon the thorax and placing it in absolute 
alcohol for from four to six hours, Then place it in es- 
sence of lavender, where it ought to remain the same 
length of time, if it is sufficiently clear, as it will become 
spotted if it remains longer. The mounting is made in 
very thick balsam and it is thinned by being placed in 
. water and heated gradually to 100°. Place the insect on 
a slide when it is taken from the lavender, drop onto it 
some balsam, a little more than is needed, place over ita 
cover-glass. A reasonable pressure will expel any air 
bubbles which may have been imprisoned. 
All insects do not prepare thus easily, the Lamellicorns 
among others, have the tarsus so slender that their im- 
mersion in the potash renders them easily detachable. 
In general it would be well to operate upon several in- 
sects at the same time to be certain to find one among 
the number which would prove satisfactory, as there are 
so many chances of failure even with the utmost care. 
The Microbe of Mumps.—Prof. Von Lyden has dis- 
covered a new diplococcus (a disease microbe) in the 
parotid gland secretions of persons suffering from mumps, 
which he takes to be the ‘‘mumps bacterium.” It is dis- 
tinct in appearance and can be cultivated on the usual 
media. Attempts to inoculate animals proved unsuccess- 
ful. The diplococcus has been found, not only in the 
parotid gland secretion, but also in the pus of the inflamed 
gland. 
Microscopical Investigation is said to prove that the 
pores of wood invite the passage of moisture in the direc- 
tion of the timber’s growth, but repel it in the opposite 
direction. 
