THE MIcROSCOPE. 277 
at our command, in a country where cold is plenty and cheap 
for three or four months in the year, so that we can demonstrate 
the histology of most of the animal tissues, excepting such as 
the eye and brain. This is a method at the command of every 
one, without the expensive outfit of a good working laboratory ; 
and one by which every person, who has the least ambition, can 
make most of the slides he may need. 
NOTES ON BALSAM BOTTLES. 
W. N. SHERMAN, M. D. 
N the National Druggist of July 1, I have noted a paragraph 
under Microscopy, explaining a very simple and effectua 
device for preventing the smearing of balsam and other resinous 
and sticky substances, with the consequent adhesion of the cork, 
to the neck of the bottle. 
A piece of soft whalebone is bent and placed in the bottle, so 
that superflous fluid may be removed on its arch. This im- 
pressed me as quite a practical idea, as several of my bottles 
have been spoiled by having the cork stick to the neck. But I 
want to suggest a better plan. 
One can buy at any dental depot a nice glass-capped bottle for 
$1.20 per dozen or for ten cents each, or any dentist will get them 
if asked. The mouth and cap are ground, and fit together nicely. 
This is superior to other forms because of its shape, being wide 
at the bottom, and not easily overturned. Its cheapness, too, is 
a great consideration, as five may be obtained for the cost of one 
of the other form, when purchased of dealers in microscopical 
apparatus. 
By placing a small piece of card board on the pencil handle, 
and allowing it to rest on the neck of the bottle, it will serve to 
keep the brush from the bottom, and the hairs will remain 
straight and in good working order. The brush is drained on 
the inside of the neck, and no trouble is experienced from 
“sticky ” corks.— EDITORIAL. 
