298 THE MICROSCOPICAL NEWS. 
absorb moisture, care being taken, when mounting, to remove any 
adherent fibres of the blotting material with a needle. 
Cells and cements to be used in mounting. Thin metal and bone 
cells are the best for this purpose. The metal ones may be either 
of brass or block tin. For small anthers, such as those of Ranun- 
culus aguatalis, the ordinary half-inch brass cells are suitable. For 
larger anthers, or groups of stamens and anthers, such as may be 
made from the Aéduzlon, five-eighths and three-quarters of an inch 
bone cells are the best. Bone is much preferable to metal for its 
adhesive capacity when affixed to glass, and the bone cells usually 
sold have their surfaces ‘“‘ truer” than those of metal. The most 
adhesive cements are liquid marine glue and “ quick-setting” gold- 
size. I use the latter. Its solvent is benzole, not alcohol. It is 
very workable, readily dries, is strongly adhesive, and does not 
become useless, like ‘‘ brown cement,” by evaporation, as the 
addition of benzole always restores its “condition.” To affix the 
cell to the glass slip, run a ring of cement on the slip with the turn- 
table, and paint one surface of the cell with the same. Allow them 
to dry ; but before the cement becomes hard, perhaps in an hour, 
place the cell, cement downwards, upon the ring of cement on the 
slip, and gently press them together ; then hold the slip over the 
flame of a spirit-lamp for about a minute, at a sufficient distance to 
avoid boiling the cement, if possible, as the bubbles of air formed 
will interfere with the adhesion of the cell, yet sufficiently near to 
insure the melting of the cement and the evaporation of some of 
its moisture. Then remove, and placing another slip of glass on 
the top of the cell, clamp the whole together with an ‘ American 
peg” (a form of clothes-peg to be obtained at any brush-maker’s). 
Let it remain under pressure for twelve hours, when the cell will be 
found immovable. This is a suitable method for mounting objects 
in spirit with glass cells, as I have found that absolute alcohol has 
no effect upon the cement after this process. 
When you are about to mount the anthers, paint the bottom of 
the cell with “‘ matt black,” using the turn-table, so as to distribute 
it evenly over the glass. When the “ black ” is partially dry, place 
the anthers upon it in suitable positions, and gently press them 
with a blunt needle so as to secure their adhesion to the cement. 
The best effect will be produced when the anthers are arranged in 
the centre of the cell with’ the stamens directed to one side, as in 
their natural position. ‘This, however, may be left to the taste of 
the mounter ; and in many cases no arrangement of this kind will 
be required, as one anther will be found large enough to fill the 
cell. When there is found to be a deficiency of pollen on any of 
the anthers after mounting, some pollen may be taken on the point 
of a needle from other anthers and placed in position on the bare 
parts, when gently breathing upon it will fix it. 
