i PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS 239 



2. The granular character of the protoplasm, the granules 

 usually not extending to the periphery, so that a clear 

 ectoplasm can be distinguished from a granular endoplasm. 

 The granules render the flowing movements of the proto- 

 plasm visible. 



3. The food-vacuoles in the protoplasm, containing fluid, 

 and often also food-particles. 



4. The contractile vacuole, containing fluid, and its 

 rhythmical contractions. 



5. The protrusion and retraction of the pseudopods. 

 Sketch a specimen several times at short intervals, noting 

 the direction in which the granules flow. Then put on the 

 high power. Go over i 5 again, and make a detailed 

 sketch. 



6. Look out for specimens undergoing multiplication by 

 binary fission, and also for encysted individuals. 



7. Run a little dry carmine or indigo under the cover- 

 glass, and note that the particles can be taken in at all 

 parts of the surface. 



8. Treat with methyl-green, or magenta and acetic acid 

 (see p. 121). This will kill the animal, and render the 

 nucleus distinct. 



9. Permanent preparations, showing the nucleus, may be 

 made on the slide as follows : 



Place a drop of water containing Amcebae on a slide, and 

 soak up with blotting-paper as much of the water as is 

 possible without carrying the Amcebae along with it. Fix 

 (see p. 136) with a drop of absolute alcohol, stain (a staining- 

 fluid called picrocarmine is better than borax-carmine for 

 this purpose), wash carefully with weak and then with 

 absolute alcohol, and add a drop of turpentine or xylol 

 or better, oil of cloves. Soak off the excess of oil of cloves 

 with blotting-paper, and mount in Canada balsam. 



