THE MICROSCOPE. 9] 
MISCELLANEOUS. 
Tue Microscope as Appiiep to Funeotoay.*—Rev. J. E. 
Vize contibutes an interesting paper on this subject for 
beginners. Students may be divided into two groups—those 
who study the larger fungi, and those who investigate the 
microscopic forms. These latter forms may be examined all the year 
round,—each separate month may give different developments of one 
and the same fungus. By this means the life history may be watched 
and studied, and becomes very absorbing as well as very instructive. 
The field of investigation for the microscopical student is very much 
more extensive as to the numbers of plants, than for those who only 
take the large forms. The increase of new microscopical fungi is 
immensely greater than for the other kinds, hence new species may 
be found more frequently. Then, again, as to preservation of species 
for reference, the small forms are more easily preserved for future 
reference than the others, whether in the herbarium or as slides, not- 
withstanding the fact that there are difficulties in both. The herba- 
rium in a place liable to atmospheric changes is sure sooner or later 
to be attacked with some vegetable growth to damage the specimens 
—a source of special annoyance with unique plants—or the ravages 
of insects may reduce the specimens to a powdery dust, and render 
what formerly was prized, equal in value to nothing. 
As to the medium in which these microscopical slides are to be 
mounted. I have worked at the microscope for thirty-five years, and — 
cannot tell yet, nor do I think the man is born who can tell, which is 
the best mounting medium. What suits one fungus does not neces- 
sarily suit another. Canada balsam contracts the spores and is apt 
to contort them. Glycerine pure and simple simply refuses in course 
of time to remain in the cell of the slide, and works its way out. 
Glycerine jelly is nearly as bad, and, in common with gelatine medi- 
um, contracts and expands with the temperature of the weather, and, 
therefore, is unreliable. Thwaite’s fluid, like water, may be very 
successful for a time, but will be sure to change the color of the 
tissue eventually. Camphor water, and the other media which have 
been used in the vain attempt of beautifully balancing themselves, 
so as to check either the growth or decay of the plant, all fail. If 
anyone asks me what media I should now use, and recommend others 
to use, my answer would be—for any fungi that would bear them 
(and they are not numerous) employ Canada balsam. First take 
* Provincial Medical Journal, November, 1835. 
