1900] MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL. 121 



of sporophyte and gametophyte in the vascular crypto- 

 gams, phaenogams and thallophytes is entirely omitted and 

 rightly too as it is a subject too difficult for a beginner to 

 understand. The chief point for a beginner in botany is to 

 become interested in plants. The illustrations are excel- 

 lent and the treatment of the subject matter is good. The 

 work should commend itself to a large number of second- 

 ary schools. — L. H. P. 



Chats About the Microscope. — By Henry C. Shelley. 

 Scientific Press, Ltd. Illustrated. A little book intend- 

 ed to enlist the interest of aimless pedestrains in country 

 places who sacrifice the pleasure and instructions contain- 

 ed in every mossy bank, every darkling pool — the happy 

 hunting-ground freely accessible to all who will but avail 

 themselves of the key to Nature's precious casket. The 

 book is but a slender introduction to pond life, diatoms,for- 

 aminifera, and a few other kindred subjects ; lacking the 

 sequence necessary as a basis of pure scientific study, it 

 is better adapted as a guide in using the microscope inci- 

 dentally as a source of innocent amusement. The illustra- 

 tions are not very attractive — the "porous cells ofmosses," 

 for example, figured on p. 60, look as stiff and mechanical as 

 if intended as a working drawing for the making of book- 

 shelves. — Knowledge. 



MICROSCOPICAL NOTES. 



Vermin. — The use of mercury pellets is recommended 

 to free slide boxes and store cabinets from mites, psoci, 

 etc., and also to collect any particles of dust which may 

 gain entrance. A few small pellets of mercury, placed 

 free in the bottom, will, by the movement of the box or 

 drawer, be caused to rell to and fro and accomplish the 

 desired end. 



Dust. — Bell covers, for protecting preparations from 

 dust, may be made by cementing a small handle or cork 

 to the centre of the convex side of watch glasses. 



