The Microscope. 3T9 



demonstrations of microscopical matters ? A gradual lessening of 

 the number of attendance at the meetings, and a general feeling of 

 dissatisfaction, in spite of the high character of the papers presented. 

 From conversation and correspondence with different microscopists 

 in various portions of the country, we feel quite sure that had there 

 been promise of a successful working session at Columbus last 

 August, the attendance at the meeting would have been more than 

 doubled. 



Indeed, so greatly is the decline of this department of the 

 Society's labors regretted, that it has been suggested that a separate 

 organization be formed, the work of which shall be practical demon- 

 strations, — the how to do, without reference to the ultimate results 

 of investigation. The establishment of another society would, in 

 our opinion, be a grave mistake, and yet, if we read the signs of the 

 times aright, such will be the consequence, if the A. S. M. does not 

 bestir itself with reference to the working session. 



The plan which appears to us would give most general satisfac- 

 tion is the following : 1st, At each meeting, let some member who is 

 known to be a good worker, and can and will carry out the work, be 

 appointed chairman of the working-session committee ; this to con- 

 sist of three members resident in the city where the meeting follow- 

 ing will be held, and one other member of the society, — not a resi- 

 dent — who will heartily co-operate with the chairman and local com- 

 mittee. This fourth member shall be appointed with reference to 

 his fitness and ability to succeed to the chairmanship of the commit- 

 tee at the second meeting following. This will always insure a 

 chairman who has had some experience with the working session, 

 and who ought, by observing the failures or mistakes of his prede- 

 cessor, to improve the session over which he now presides. 



2d. Let the W. S. committee appoint fi'om six to twelve mem- 

 bers, or more, experts, and who shall signify their intention of being 

 present at the coming meeting, to demonstrate different methods in 

 which they are known to be adepts, insisting that each demonstrator 

 shall describe such practical work only as is set against his name in 

 the programme. This will provide for a number of useful demon- 

 strations, without leaving the matter to chance or the occasion; but 

 that all who so desire may take part, extra tables should be pre- 

 pared. 



3d. In order that the full benefit of these demonstrations may be 

 enjoyed by members, let the whole of the second day of the meeting 

 — morning and afternoon — be devoted to the W. S. 



