x AUTHOR'S PREFACE 



To those readers who possess and use a micro- 

 scope I trust that my work may increase their 

 interest in the fascinating study ; while for those 

 who do not the large number of illustrations will 

 to some extent enable them to realise what the 

 microscope reveals, and may, perhaps, create in 

 them the desire to use it for themselves. And then 

 if this volume is soon laid aside for works more 

 advanced, it will indeed have done good service. 



The illustrations throughout are greatly magni- 

 fied photographs or photo-micrographs made 

 directly from the actual objects, excepting in a 

 few instances where they are stated to be of 

 natural size. The image of the minute object, as 

 seen by the eye when looking into the microscope, 

 is projected directly on to the sensitive photo- 

 graphic plate, the camera occupying the position 

 of the observer at the head of the microscope 

 tube ; but to describe the numerous details of the 

 work would be out of place here. 



With regard to the minute objects themselves, 

 such as the various plant, insect, and animal dis- 

 sections, it need hardly be said that considerable 

 care is required to prepare them for photographic 

 purposes. 



While using a large number of my own pre- 

 parations, I have to acknowledge the kindness 

 of Messrs. W. Watson and Sons, of 313 High 



