214 Transactions of the 



dummy, or blank slide, numbered seriatim, and with a reference 

 where its real counterpart is to be found. The latter, meanwhile, 

 also bears its consecutive number in the series. 



Entire sets of deep drawers having an additional shelf let in 

 from the top I consider objectionable. These may, indeed, come in 

 handy where a cabinet with a set of deep drawers, originally in- 

 tended for another purpose, is converted into a microscopic recep- 

 tacle. The microscopic cabinet of our Eoyal Microscopical Society 

 has been altered in this fashion, and the available area of the double 

 tiers consequently can contain twice the number of specimens they 

 originally did in the deep drawers. It behoves, however, that a 

 sufficient proportion of deep ones be retained. 



The compartments of the drawers should admit of the slides 

 lying with the narrow ends, or long diameter, fore and aft. In this 

 way there is no chance of the slides overriding and, when the 

 drawer is suddenly di'awn out, injuring each other. In the event 

 of a specimen, not too deep for the drawer, occupying a greater 

 surface than the usual 3 inches by 1, provided it is not over 

 3 inches square, it may readily be placed transversely to the tray 

 or drawer's direction. If it should be above 3 inches in diameter, 

 the transverse bar or partition can be cut in such a manner that 

 the slide shall occupy a double interspace. The end of the divided 

 bar will prevent it moving sidewards. This simple plan, and such 

 like trifling mechanical contrivances, are very useful in preserving 

 unanimity in a series. They keep specimens in their proper classi- 

 fied position, instead of being scattered to a distance. 



