1894 THE MICROSCOPE. 45 



cover and gently remove, by absorption, the surplus liquid. 

 The cover will then lie against the slip so the microscope can 

 be inclined to a convenient angle for a careful examination of 

 the object. 



PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS. 



By Iv. A. WILLSON, 



CLEVELAND, OHIO. 



Ringing Mounts. — For ringing mounts there is nothing 

 neater, cleaner or more convenient for use than liquid shellac. 

 Use the liquid pure without any admixture whatever. While 

 the slide is upon the turn-table apply the liquid with a fine 

 brush and finish with the point of a knife blade. Rings thus 

 finished look almost as if made of solid glass. If a fancy mount 

 i-i desired, paint a design on the slide and run the ring over it, 

 as abovp. These rings make a handsome finish, which every 

 one will admire. One can prepare the liquid himself. It may 

 be obtained at a varnish factory or procured from dealers in 

 microscopic supplies. 



Leaves of Shepherd's Purse.— This is a very common 

 weed, (Capsellabursa-pastniis), and has leaf hairs in the form of 

 a cross and is but slightly inferior to Deutzia as an opaque 

 mount. 



Meridum Circulare. — This beautiful diatom may be found 

 in the ooze on the borders of pathways in the woods and in nat- 

 ural parks. I have a gathering obtained in this v/ay that is prac- 

 tically pure and requires no cleaning for mounting. 



To be certain that you have this diatom, carry as a part of 

 your collecting outfit a good strong pocket lens and a slide and 

 cover glass, a compressorium or something of the kind. Place 

 a drop of the gathering on the slide and cover, and view with 

 the lens when the characteristic rings will be visible in the fresh 

 material and with them will be observed separate cuneate frus- 

 tules. The rings are characteristic on account of their width 

 and disposition of the frustules about the center. 



Keep Your Eyes Open. — A practical suggestion to the ama- 

 teur microscopist who is a lover of nature and a devotee at its 

 sacred shrine, is to keep your eyes open and examine every 

 thing you find. Instruction and beauty will be everywhere un- 



