SOMETHING ABOUT AMERICAN STANDS, ETC. 21 



a large and heavy stand, while B would prefer a smaller 

 and lighter one. The party, too, will naturally take 

 into consideration the particular field of work he may 

 have in contemplation. It is quite possible to give the 

 latter consideration too much weight. It will be found, 

 as a rule, better policy in the long-run to purchase a 

 stand capable of doing almost any work, and thus avoid 

 the possibility of being compelled to sell at some future 

 date, at a heavy discount, and purchase another and 

 more capable stand. Fortunate it is that one can now 

 purchase, at moderate figures, reliable and well-made 

 stands, suitable for almost any purpose of tl e micro- 

 scopist. 



In the reference that has been made to American 

 stands, it is proper to state that the Messrs. Beck, of 

 London, have a regular agency here for the sale of 

 their wares, and that this agency is in charge of an 

 American gentleman. There can be no good reason to 

 regard them as other than home folks. At all events, 

 the author is of this opinion, and will act accordingly. 



Among the essentials that deserve attention in the 

 selection of a reliable stand may be mentioned : 



FIRST. See that the stand is well balanced in every 

 position that it manifests no disposition to topple 

 either one way or the other; that it stands tolerably 

 firm (for its weight) on its legs. 



SECOND. If it has coarse adjustment by rack and 

 pinion, see that the movement is as smooth as oil; 

 reverse the milled head between the thumb and finger 

 promptly, and notice if there be any lost motion; try 



