162 Tue Microscope. 
Observe specimens of the feathers, hair, bones, and in- 
ternal organs; the fresh fluids of the body (blood), the many 
parasites which may be found on and in all living creatures. 
Sediments from various liquids may be examined, by plac- 
ing a drop on a clean slide and covering. 
Conical wine glasses are those best adapted for collecting 
sediments. 
In this way the settlings of stagnant rain-water, pools, etc., 
may be studied. 
Very interesting material may often be collected in a little 
muslin bag tied to a faucet, through which the water is allowed 
to run slowly for an hour or two. 
The common articles of food furnish exceedingly interest- 
ing specimens. Adulterations may thus be exposed after a 
little practice. The microscopic examination of drinking fluids* 
often determines whether they are fit for use or not, by reveal- 
ing the animal or vegetable matter which they may contain. 
The insect world offers a delicate and beautiful anatomy 
for study. Observe the 7,000 divisions in the compound eye of 
the house fly; the delicate scales from the wings of moths and 
butterflies; the trachea, or breathing tubes; the suckers on a 
fly’s foot; and hundreds of other parts. 
Wonderful things are open to us in the world of plants. 
The structure, growth, and development of vegetable life are 
alone enough to keep one busy for years. 
Thin scales of minerals may also be examined, thus adding 
much to the interest of that branch of science. 
But these things are not always at hand or to be had, there- 
fore specimens whenever obtained should be preserved for fu- 
ture use. Prepare during the summer for the winter’s work. 
“Take time by the forelock,” and whenever you see anything 
which you think may be of interest, label and preserve it, as 
described in the chapter on preparing objects. 
Animals and birds, if small, may be placed whole in a sey- 
enty per cent solution of alcohol, first making an opening into 
the abdominal cavity, to allow the fluid ready access to the in- 
ternal parts. Hair, feathers, and the like may be placed in en- 
velopes properly labelled. Parasites, small insects, etc., may 
be placed in spirits in homeopathic pill bottles. Intestinal 
