APPENDIX. 



BY THOMAS KETTERINGHAM. 



THE PREPARATION AND MOUNTING OF 

 OBJECTS. 



THE majority of objects exhibited by the Microscope require 

 some kind of preparation before they can be satisfactorily 

 shown, or their form and structure properly made out. To 

 convince the beginner of this, let him take the leg of any 

 insect, and, without previous preparation, place it under his 

 Microscope, and what does he see ?- A dark opaque body, 

 fringed with hair, and exceedingly indistinct. But let him 

 view the same object prepared and permanently mounted, 

 and he will now regard it with delight. That beautiful limb, 

 rendered transparent by the process it has undergone, now 

 lies before him, rich in colour, wonderful in the delicate 

 articulation of its joints, exquisite in its finish, armed at 

 its extremities with two sharp claws equally serviceable for 

 progression or aggression, and furnished, in many instances, 

 with pads (pulvilli) (see Plate 7, Figures 198, 199), which 

 enable the insect to walk with ease and safety on the 

 smoothest surface. If the beginner has a true love for the 

 study of the Microscope, he will be glad of information 

 respecting the method pursued in dissecting and preserving 

 microscopic objects, nor will he rest satisfied until he has 

 acquired some knowledge of the art. We will briefly point 

 out a few of the advantages possessed by those who are able 

 to prepare specimens for themselves. 



Objects well mounted will remain uninjured for years, and 

 will continue to retain their colour and structure in all their 

 original freshness. 



They can be exhibited at all times to one's friends, and 

 may be studied with advantage whenever an opportunity 

 occurs. 



