14 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY (Jan 
terial flora of the semi-desert region of New Mexico, with 
especial reference to the bacteria of the air. The following 
important conclusions are arrived at: 1. The air bacteria 
of our semi-desert region presents a somewhat limited flora ; 
but this is found to be widely distributed, due undoubtedly 
to the high winds which sweep uninterruptedly over our 
wide stretches of nearly barren mesas. 2. The actual 
number of bacteria contained in the air is not as large as 
in fertile and cultivated regions, but the number is not 
as small as is popularly supposed. 3. It would seem to 
follow from the above that sanitary measures and pre- 
cautions should receive practically the same attention 
here as elsewhere. Disease-bearing materials, such as 
infected clothes, sputum, etc., should be carefully dis- 
infected or burned. 4. Many of the species show highly- 
colored colonies ; these belong mostly to the group micro- 
cocci. The flora is characterized by its inertness toward 
sugar media, and its failing to peptonize gelatin. 5. Ap- 
parently none of the species have been previously noted. 
Notes on Microscopy. 
M. I. CROSS. 
MIcroscopEs IN Scuoots.—During the last few months, 
the development of the system of “Nature teaching” in 
elementary schools has led to enquiry as to the most 
serviceable form of microscope for further developing 
the subject. In Scottish schools in particular, this work 
is to become a part of the regular curriculum, and it has 
been said that every school will be provided with at least 
one microscope, so that the senior scholars: may pursue 
their studies in athorough manner. In England encour- 
agement is being given by the issue of Teacher's Leaflets 
of “Nature Knowledge,” by the Agricultural Education 
Committee. 
One of the main objects attempted to be achieved by 
