519 Tur Microscope. 
Mr. J. H. Lona, in a recent paper on the microscopic examin- 
ation of butter, arrives at the conclusions, that, “ taking all things 
into consideration, we have no absolutely certain method of dis- 
tinguishing between butter and some of its substitutes, and that of 
all methods proposed, the microscopic are, perhaps, the least relia- 
ble.” These conclusions are similar to the ones reached by Prof. 
H. A. Webster, but are directly opposed to those of Dr. Taylor.— 
Science. 
Dr. Rresert finds the following method in staining Pneu- 
monia-cocci for cover-glass preparations excellent: 100 parts water ; 
50 parts absolute alcohol; 12 per cent. glacial acetic acid, dalia to 
saturation. The covers are only just touched with the material, 
washed in water, and examined. Mounted in glycerine or balsam, 
the cocci appear a deep blue, while the capsules are a pale blue. 
The stain does not last longer than a few months. It is unsuitable 
for sections. 
Tue officers for the coming year of the American Society of 
Microscopists are, President, Wm. A. Rogers, Waterville, Me.; 
Vice-Presidents, C. M. Vorce, Cleveland, O. and Dr. Jas. E. Reeves, 
Wheeling, W. Va.; Secretary, D. S. Kellicott, Buffalo, N. Y.; Assist- 
ant Secretary, Dr. S. M. Mosgrove, Urbana, O.; Treasurer, Dr. Geo. 
E. Fell, Buffalo, N. Y.; Members of the Executive Committee, J. 
J. B. Hatfield, Indianapolis, Ind., Dr. W. R. Mandeville, New Or- 
leans, La., Dr. W. A. Clapp, New Albany, Ind. The place and time 
of meeting (1887) to be determined by the Executive Committee. 
“G. R.,” in the Scientific Enquirer, recommends Gum Traga- 
canth as the best material for sticking labels to glass. It is prepared 
as follows: Select three or four pieces of the gum, about the size of 
a coffee berry, and place in a two ounce wide-mouthed bottle ; then 
pour over it acetic acid so as to hardly cover the gum, and place 
the bottle aside until the next day, by which time the gum will 
have absorbed the fluid and become very much swollen. Now add 
water, stir well, and in a day or two a semi-transparent jelly will 
be the result. A drop or two of pure carbolic acid should be ad- 
ded, and it will keep indefinitely. 
Tue Spanish government has recently decided to establish a 
“ Maritime station for experimental zoology and botany,” to be in 
charge of a director, one assistant and two fellows, all salaried, It 
