108 THE MTGROSCOPE. [April, 



10. JFru slides of diatoms. Ho-lv can they be rendered trans- 

 pare7it in halsavi? — E. D. C. 



Diatoms on algse should be well soaked in absolute alcohol ; 

 transferred quicklv to oil of cloves ; when transparent the surplus 

 oil removed with blotting-paper, then into balsam as usual. If 

 air is still present, gently heat the mount until the balsam boils, 

 adding more balsam if necessary, so it will be drawn under the 

 eds:e of the cover. 



11. Anijnal Parasites. How can they be preserved u?itil 

 ?no2tnted? — L. M. Mooers. 



If intended for balsam, preserve in alcohol. If for glycerine or 

 Farrant's solution, use equal parts of glycerine, alcohol, and 

 water. Parasites preserved in the latter solution may be mounted 

 in balsam if the glycerine is removed by prolonged soaking in 

 water, then into alcohol. 



12. Starch. What is a good method for mounting starch? 

 — C. IV. 



Place a minute drop of oil of cloves on the centre of the slip ; 

 drop in the starch, separating lumps ; remove any excess of oil 

 with blotting-paper ; apply a drop of balsam ; cover ; use a gentle 

 heat, allowing the cover to settle by its own weight. If the starch 

 is observed to mass at one side apply a gentle pressure with a 

 mounting needle on the cover over the mass to aid in distributing 

 the starch uniformh^ 



13. Cohering Slides. What can be done to save some slides 

 that were carelessly placed together a?td have stuck fast? — 



W. S. 



Applv a gentle heat and carefully insert a thin knife blade be- 

 tween the mounts and so separate them. 



14. What is '' concentrated strupous glycerine .i''' mentioned 

 on page 67, A. M. M. J., i8g2?—S. W. Jackson. 



It should be •' concentrated syrupy glycerine." 



15. Histological and pathological slides. Where ca?i I buy 

 reliable preparations ? — W. R. Shin?!., M. D. 



vSee our advertising columns for notices of preparations of such 

 mounts. 



16. Barbadoes Earth. Where can I obtai7t a lump of this 

 7natcrialy — John Halle. 



Can any reader furnish the desired information.? 



