vi PREFACE. 



by the unassisted eye. The Author has not pandered to the 

 tastes of mere lovers of pretty objects. 



As to the preparation and mounting of objects much 

 more might have been said ; indeed, volumes written on 

 this subject alone ; but types have been selected to avoid 

 repetition, and which the student will do well to follow. 

 All the processes in practical microscopy must be carried 

 out with intelligence, and the why and the wherefore of 

 each well understood. If this be done the student will 

 find no insuperable difficulties. 



Many of the illustrations found herein have been photo- 

 graphed from nature by the Author, and cut in the en- 

 graving department of 'Design and Work,' and thanks are 

 here expressed to the proprietor for these blocks, which have 

 enabled the work to be so fully illustrated at a moderate 

 cost. To the publisher of 'Science-Gossip/ for similar 

 reasons, thanks are likewise expressed. Many of the illus- 

 trations have been lent from the ' Northern Microscopist.' 



In conclusion, the Author asks his readers to communi- 

 cate to him, under care of the publisher, any ideas or 

 suggestions in view of future editions, and hopes he has 

 established a sufficient raison d'etre. 



GEORGE E. DAVIS. 



