The Microscope. 61 



prepared, can show such clear differentiation of its component parts 

 as the illustration which represents it. The latter has caught the 

 general features, exaggerated them and bothered not at all with the 

 spirit of its subject. The aim, moreover, has been, apparenty, to 

 picture the specimen, not as it looks, but as it is. For the benefit 

 of the beginner this should be reversed : he must first learn to 

 see the specimen as it looks, and then taught to know it as it is. 



The difficulties at the root of the matter seem to be (1) the fact 

 that the delineations are not confined to that which is seen at a single 

 focus, but are deduced from a knowledge gained by a study of 

 several focuses, and ( 2 ) the process employed. 



(1). It is this which makes complete tubules in a section 

 where there are few, if any, and which fills up the indistinct spaces 

 with ideal representations of that which, though not seen, is known 

 to be there. 



( 2 ). The process usually employed makes use of distinct lines, 

 something seldom seen in a specimen. A skillful artist could 

 probably etch a tolerably correct picture, and he would do so by 

 carefully toning down his lines to the proper degree. 



Photography and many new processes are coming into use, 

 some of which, it is hoped, will prove more satisfactory. And yet 

 we think that much better work could be done with the method now 

 in vogue, (drawing with the use of a camera lucida and photo- 

 engraving the result) if the artist confined himself to drawing 

 that only which he sees at one focus, and conserving that blending 

 of parts which, though sometimes amounting to indistinctness, has 

 at least the merit of being natural. 



1 T is with deep regret that we record the death by paralysis 

 January 30, of Dr. Asa Grray, professor of botany at Harvard 

 College. 



Prof. Gray was born in Paris, Oneida county, N. Y., Nov. 18, 

 1810. At the age of 21, he graduated from the Fairfield College of 

 Physicians and Surgeons, of Herkimer county, N. Y., and began the 

 study of botany with the late Prof. Torrey. In 1834 he was 

 appointed botanist to the United States exploring expedition — but 

 on account of the delay to which that body was subjected, Dr. Gray 

 resigned his position. In 1842 he was appointed professor of 

 natural history at Harvard College — but devoted his time largely, 

 and at a later period exclusively, to botany. In 1855 Dr. Gray suc- 

 ceeded Prof. Agassiz as a regent of the Smithsonian Institute, at 

 Washington, D. C. Prof. Gray was a voluminous writer, and his 



