336 The Microscope. 



flannel and silk strainers or selves for the final cleaning and separa- 

 tion of diatoms, but the length of this article precludes doing so. 



The various steps given in detail herein are really essential to 

 success in cleaning the diatoms derived from sands or muds, and 

 ought to be strictly followed, and when once mastered become as 

 agreeable and interesting, and possess the same fascination as is 

 usually allied with the arts of Magic. 



From " collecting and cleaning," I should like to place before 

 the readers of The Microscope the Arcana, or wonders of the expert 

 and artistic preparer of Diatom chef d'ouvres, or master pieces, a 

 few of which I possess, and the mysteries of whose preparation I 

 have from one of the greatest of artists. 



Mobile, Ala. 



PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 



SAN FRANCISCO MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. 



'' I HE regular semi-monthly meeting of this Society was held 

 -*- at its rooms, 120 Sutter street, August 24th, 1887. Presi- 

 dent Wickson occupying the chair. 



Dr. Harkness made a preliminary report on the kelp covered by 

 mollusca, which was referred to him at the last meeting. A more 

 complete examination of the material will be made in due course. 



The resignation of A. H. Breckenfeld, ofPered on account of his 

 approaching departure for San Diego, was accepted. President 

 Wickson spoke feelingly of the exceedingly pleasant relations which 

 had always existed between the retiring officer and the Society, and 

 at the conclusion of his remarks a cordial vote of thanks was tendered 

 Mr. Breckenfeld for his services as Recording Secretary. Under a 

 suspension of the rules he was duly elected an honorary member of 

 the Society, and thereupon fittingly expressed his appreciation of 

 the honor conferred. His successor will be elected at the next 

 meeting. 



A piece of wood, apparently fossilized, was sent in by Geo. A. 

 Raymond, with the information that it had been struck at a depth of 

 325 feet in an artesian well now being bored in Kern county, Cal. 

 The overlying material was mostly clay, and the surrounding country 

 was entirely destitute of timber. After an interesting discussion the 

 specimen was referred to Professor Hanks for microscopical exami- 

 nation. 



