ti Objects for the Microscope. 



Defining power, not the magnifying power, is the thing 

 to care for ; we want to see the real structure of an object, 

 not an exaggerated representation ; and those are the best 

 glasses which transmit clear light, give a perfectly flat field, 

 and by which we see sharp distinct lines in the object we 

 are investigating. 



I will but add a few practical hints on the management 

 of the microscope : 



Do not imagine that an expensive apparatus is necessary. 

 The greatest discoveries have been made with the simplest 

 instruments. 



Have good object glasses, and do not waste money on 

 an elaborate stage. 



Use low powers in preference to high ones, unless abso- 

 lutely necessary ; and, remember, we do not want objects 

 magnified so much as we want them defined. A clearly- 

 defining low power is the best working glass. 



A few simple tools will be sufficient for all purposes of 

 dissection and examination, viz. 



Slides of glass. 



Circles and squares of thin glass. 



A pair of forceps. 



A lancet. 



A few needles, fixed in handles. Split one end of a 

 match, and tie the needle in with some waxed silk. 



Two or three camel-hair pencils. 



Six watch glasses. 



These are all that are absolutely necessary for daily 

 study. 



FOR MOUNTING OBJECTS. 



This need not be a difficult or expensive process ; but to 

 succeed with insect preparations time and experience are 

 essential. The easiest beginning is with vegetable speci- 

 mens cuticles, pollen, &c. and with palates which are 

 mounted in fluid. 



You must have a turn-table, price 6s. to 8s., and make 

 a cell on each glass slide you mean to use, with gold size 

 or Brunswick black. It is better to see this done than to 



