138 THE NORTHERN MICROSCOPIST. 
mischievous, and in the mounting of such objects as marine algz is quite out of 
the question. In this case the leaves were transferred direct from pure benzole 
to the cold slip, balsam added, and the cover glass put over and gently pressed 
down, resulting in a uniform absence of air bubbles in each mount. These 
slides were distributed to the members present. 
Mr. W. Stanley exhibited an ingeniously-constructed mounting table made 
out of a cigar box, and as useful as the elaborate and somewhat costly table 
usually sold. It was an object of some curiosity and favourable comment. 
The second excursion of the Bryological section of the Society was made to 
Marple. Proceeding by the canal bank Wezssia cirrhata was found in fine 
fruit, and before leaving the footpath specimens were gathered of Dicranum 
varium and fallax, Barbula revoluta, Didymodon rubellus, and Fissidens 
bryoides. Bryum capillare was very plentiful, but in unripe condition. 
Leaving some of the members at Romiley to catch an early train, the rest went 
on by the printworks to Dan Bank, collecting by the way two species of Zortula 
and Hypnum populeum. At Dan Bank Atrichum undulatum was gathered, 
and also in splendid fruit the common but exceedingly interesting Jungermannia, 
Pellia epiphylla—the large-leaved scale moss—patches, in some cases many feet 
square, being covered with the small black globular capsules, on beautifully 
white and transparent peduncles or fruit-stalks. Under the microscope the 
dehisced capsules of these scale mosses present a very peculiar appearance, the 
spores being mixed’ with spiral threads called ‘‘ elaters,”” which on the applica- 
tion of moisture twist and untwist, and seem to possess life. The presence of 
these elaters distinguish the Jungermannia family from the true mosses, 
The ordinary monthly meeting was held in the Lecture Hall of the Mechanics’ 
Institution, on Thursday, the 5th May; the President, Mr. John Boyd, in the 
chair. 
Mr. G. S. Johnson, and Mr. Henry Kneebone were elected members of the 
Society. 
ne joke Smith, M.R.C.S., was prevented by a severe illness from reading 
his paper on the life history of Cystzcercus cellulose. 
A paper on Zyichina spiralis was read by Mr. Dunkerley, being illustrated 
by coloured diagrams and prepared slides. After the reading of the paper, 
additional information was elicited by the discussion, in which Messrs. Doherty, 
Miles, Burnett, Dutton, Ward, Pettigrew, Scott, and the President took part. 
Mr. Ed. Ward exhibited and described the uses of two new forms of the 
Pearson-Teasdale microtome. These are handy little section cutters, with 
moveable fittings, and for special work would be much appreciated by the 
microscopist. They are well made, and reasonable in price. 
Mr. Aylward introduced a new form of a Dissecting and Mounting table. 
The table is well constructed of mahogany, with a glass stage and porcelain 
well, which also serves asa reflector. The lenses are supported in a carrier 
attached to a sliding tube, fitted with ball and socket joint. The price is 
moderate, and the table can be purchased either with or without the lenses. 
Mr. Cook exhibited an ingeniously constructed Turn-table. Its mechanism 
is peculiar, for by the adjustment of two guages it will, on being revolved, 
describe rings of either a circular or oval shape. With a diamond point, it 
could easily be made available for the cutting of glass covers. Its price is 
necessarily much more than that of other tables. 
In the Conversazione which followed, special and well-mounted objects were 
exhibited, as under :— 
DIATOMS ck .nlsesecseceiess cova sateecaeeemteras ee siaeact ss Mr, A. J. Doherty. 
MOLAMINLELA acaeedasees tavederse tee aieemena rt aes tees ss ” 
Sections—Stems of Exogens .....cs.sscseseesesenseeees ” 
Cetochilus septentrionalts (from Llandudno)..........+++++ The President. 
LN OCLELUGANUAULEOTES. A ee ined wane tamer eka eC tcatee cian oP 
