270 Tue Microscope. 
may be used with any instrument having straight stage clips. This 
carrier is exceedingly simple in its construction,—consisting of two 
thin pieces of wood rather larger than a slide, with a round hole 
piercing their centre. Narrow strips of sufficient thickness are 
fastened between the top and bottom pieces, dividing the inter- 
space into three compartments,—into the middle of which a square 
of blue glass may be inserted, while the end spaces are for the clips. 
In the upper surface of the carrier, behind, is a ridge to prevent 
the slide from slipping down while the microscope is at an angle. 
We have tried this convenient little device on one of Mr. Griffiths’ 
instruments, and find that it isa decided addition. Mr. Quimby 
states that he has found the carrier of special use in holding a 
Wenham’s compressor, which is not easily managed with the clips 
alone. This universal carrier will be appreciated by microscopists. 
PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES 
THE SAN FRANCISCO MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. 
SEPTEMBER 8, 1886. 
TuE regular fortnightly meeting of this Society was held at the 
Society’s rooms, Dr. 8. M. Mouser presiding. 
After the routine business had been disposed of, the Secretary 
exhibited some specimens of “ jasperized” wood, from the petrified 
forest at Chalcedony Park, A. T. This material, by reason of its 
extreme hardness and great beauty, is beginning to be extensively 
used in the manufacture of jewelry and for various ornamental 
purposes. Under the microscope, the woody fiber with its charac- 
teristic markings, was seen to be perfectly preserved. In fact, it is 
in many cases possible to determine not only the genus but even 
the species, by a microscopical examination. In the specimens 
which were examined, some chalcedonic concretions of unusual 
regularity and beauty, attracted much attention. 
Some exceedingly minute “jumping seeds” from Calaveras 
county, each probably containing an insect larva, were shown by 
the President and referred to Dr. Bates for further examination. 
A number of very handsome slides of Algee and Foraminifera, 
mounted by A. Durrand, F. R. M.8., who was present as a visitor, 
were examined with much interest. 
