234 SELECTION AND USE 



and unfortunately it sometimes happens that labels drop off 

 either from exposure to moisture or excessive dryness. 



As regards designs, etc., for labels, the variety is endless. 

 Each microscopist will probably select the one that accords 

 most nearly with his own taste. The only suggestion that we 

 would make is that severe simplicity be adopted as the rule. 

 Complicated and fancy labels look well at fii'st, but they soon 

 pall, and we get tired of them. It is well to have a large blank 

 label at one end, on which memoranda may be written, such as 

 the power best adapted to show the object; whether it is best 

 seen by reflected, transmitted, or polarized light; the location 

 of interesting points as determined by the Maltwood Finder, 

 etc., etc. An important point also is the direction in which the 

 reading should run whether across or lengthwise of the slide. 

 There seems to be no rule on this point, and it would be well 

 for our societies to discuss this subject, and establish a rule for 

 the benefit of exchangers. Nothing is more aggravating than a 

 lot of slides labeled in different ways. The direction will de- 

 pend, of course, upon the kind of cabinet used. For cabinets 

 with racks, either way will answer, though the lengthwise direc- 

 tion is somewhat the most convenient. For the old style Eng- 

 lish cabinet, in which the objects lie flat and endwise to the front 

 of the drawers, the writing should run across the slide. For our 

 American cabinets with drawers having spaces divided off for 

 each slide, the writing should be lengthwise of the slide. In 

 short, when the slide lies in its proper position in the drawer, the 

 lines of writing should run parallel with the front edge of the 

 drawer. 



Cabinets. The value, either for work or for exhibition, of 

 a collection of microscopic objects, is greatly enhanced when 

 they are properly arranged and easily accessible. Conse- 

 quently every microscopist who possesses even a small number 

 of slides, should provide some kind of a case or cabinet for 

 keeping them. 



The simplest form of case is one with racks, and these are 

 made in a great variety of styles, forms, and sizes, from the 

 simple mailing box, holding two or three slides, to large and 

 expensive cabinets. The common box, with a hinged lid, and 



