Objects jor the Microscope. 1 1 



tion, and we shall notice these stomata more particularly 

 when the slides are described. 



The origin of every plant is a single cell. The perfection 

 of a plant, from the tiniest moss to the loftiest oak, is in a 

 countless multitude of simple cells containing various sub- 

 stances needful for its growth, and of an infinite variety of 

 shape and substance : for some cells are very thick ; some 

 are dotted, to allow of the circulation of air in the deep 

 recesses of the stem ; some have variegated walls produced 

 by its secondary deposits, like fibre coiled around, and 

 these fibre-cells are abundant in some plants. We have 

 them from the Oncidium and Opuntia. Some cells of 

 spiral fibre act as trachea for breathing organs, or give 

 lightness and elasticity to a stem. They are abundant in 

 strawberry leaves, vine leaves, rhubarb stems, spinach, and 

 there are beautiful examples in the slide of spiral cells from 

 the balsam. Much more can be learnt from the examina- 

 tion of the fresh plant, because of the difficulty of preserving 

 cells and their contents. Is it not wonderful to think of a 

 little plant having its store chambers secreting starch, sugar, 

 gum, oils, raphides, colouring matter aye, and beautiful 

 crystals floating in the cell-fluid, or suspended, as are the 

 cystolithes, in the cell-chambers of the nettle tribe ? 



The very knowledge that such things are, and that they 

 may be seen in an infinite variety, will lead us first to look 

 at these slides understandingly, then to seek further by 

 examination of living plants. This will induce us to study 

 such books as Quekett's ' Histiology,' ' Carpenter on the 

 Microscope,' ' Mohl on the Vegetable Cell,' ' Schacht on 

 the Microscope,' 'Unger's Letters,' &c. &c. Then we 

 shall see our microscope worthily, and our cabinet of objects 

 will cease to be a mere toy. 



SHAPES OF CELLS. 



As the object of this little book is to excite and not to 

 satisfy the desire of an inquiring mind, let me here suggest 

 that it is well to prove all things ; and before you quite 

 believe that every flower and plant is made up of single 

 cells of varied form, exami'^ for yourself thus : Take a 



