316 The Microscope. 



laria sent him from the coast, Mr. Lockwood was greatly surprised 

 to find various forms of diatoms in the jug-water. This led to a 

 series of experiments and the following conclusions: 



1. That diatoms originate in spores, or seed-like bodies. 2. 

 These spores are exceedingly minute, passing easily through filter- 

 paper. 3. They are probably resting spore, not motile, and may be 

 held in suspension awhile like the mineral matter in turbid water 

 4. The viability of these spores is remarkable. The diatoms raised in 

 the first series of experiments were from spores whose life force had 

 lain dormant in total darkness for thirteen or fourteen years; those 

 in the second series for sixteen years. 5. The viability of some 

 genera is greater than that of others. This is notable of navcula in 

 these experiments, and is C(?nsonant with the numerical lead of this 

 genus in forms or so-called species. 6. Owing to the environment 

 becoming abnormal, development may be rapid and erratic to a sur- 

 prising degree, but upon aberrant and asymmetrical lines. Sup- 

 pressed at some points, the life-energy is precociously active at 

 others. 7. Diatoms have embryonal stages or forms, with silicate 

 fronds. 8. As to kind and quantity, the crops are capricious and 

 vary without apparent reasons. 9. As to the parentage or begetters 

 of the spores, in my experiences, they were not generated in the 

 vessel which contained the water, but were begotten of sporangia,! 

 mother-cells in the bay, (Raritan Bay). 



Need of a Biological Laboratory. —The Western Druggist says: 

 There can be no question that the biological laboratories in Italy, 

 Germany, France, Holland, Sweden, and all other European coun- 

 tries, have exerted, and are exerting, a profound influence on tbe 

 study of natural history in Europe. In fact, many of our own best 

 naturalists have received their training in Grerman or Italian labora- 

 tories. It is gratifying to know that a strong movement has been 

 initiated to revive and carry out Agassiz's cherished idea of a school 

 on the Atlantic coast. Preparations for its establishment have 

 already so far progressed that it may be counted upon as a certainty. 

 Its distance, however, from the centre of population of the country, 

 as well as the fact that it will be devoted mainly to the study of 

 marine forms, will prevent many from attending. A biological 

 laboratory for the study of land and fresh water forms is neaded, and 

 there is no better place for such a laboratory, none which, if it were 

 well equipped and provided with a good corps of instructors, would 



