CHAPTER VII. 

 MICRO-DISSECTIONS. 



MANY of the objects mentioned in the preceding chapters 

 cannot be examined under the microscope without sub- 

 division or previous preparation, either on account of their 

 size, or because the parts lie iri different planes, the trans- 

 parent portions being hidden from view by others of an 

 opaque character. 



This is so with most insect life, especially the larger 

 species, though, on the other hand, the more minute kinds, 

 such as the Acarus domesticus, or cheese-mite, are generally 

 so transparent as to require no special treatment. 



Beetles and other insects, flies, snails, frogs, and newts 

 are very good examples of the former class, and the student 

 will do well to practise the dissection of these objects. He 

 will find it absolutely necessary to acquire a good know- 

 ledge of dissection, in order to gain a correct insight into 

 the relative structure of the insect economy. 



We can hardly describe in words how to proceed in each 

 individual case. Experience will come by practice, and 

 the student will find that each subject becomes more and 

 more easy, especially if, before commencing in haste with 

 the needles and scissors, he will study the general arrange- 

 ment of organs in his subject, by reference to some one or 

 other of the many standard works in existence, obtainable 

 at any free library. 



One remark, however, is necessary. Do not hurry on 

 with imperfect dissections of a host of subjects ; stick to 



