170 METHODS OP MICROSCOPIC A.L RESEARCH. 



securely indicated, the microscope is placed in posi- 

 tion, and with B eye-pieces drawing from direct 

 observation commenced ; prolonged work is facili- 

 tated by removing the caps of the eye-pieces ; when 

 attention is continually diverted from the instrument 

 to the pencil, the fatigue is lessened by keeping 

 the eyes some distance from the glasses, cultivating 

 a faculty of losing the recognition of the entire 

 objects, only directing the alertness of vision to the 

 particular part under consideration ; in fact it is not 

 necessary, nor is it prudent, to strain the sight to 

 keep the full blazon of the field under observation, 

 and this rule may, with advantage, be applied to 

 the general use of the microscope. At this point, 

 steady work commences, faint camera indications 

 are studied, lines corrected and strengthened, either 

 with pencil, or better, a fine sable brush or pen, 

 carrying a mere tint of indian ink or " Payne's 

 Grey." Extreme care is necessary ; no mistake of 

 line can be permitted ; paper, intended for such 

 drawing, and delicate after colouring, does not 

 permit erasure, or the contact of any rubbing out 

 substance ; and consistent with the subject, too 

 much fine line cannot be put into the work ; no 

 attempt at shading, either with pen or pencil, must 

 be attempted. The lines being perfected, and the 

 subject, as it were, " modelled," the painting may 

 now be cautiously commenced. The absorbent 

 quality of paper (well known to those accustomed 

 to water-colour sketching), interferes with, and 

 sometimes assists in securing artistic results ; with- 

 out entering into the rationale, but bearing upon 

 the point, it may be mentioned that no wash or 

 even line should be superimposed upon or carried 



