274: MICROSCOPY FOR BEGIIsNERS. 



CHAPTER XII. 



SOME COMMON OBJECTS WORTH EXAMINING. 



THERE is literally no end to the objects worth exam- 

 ining with the microscope. Even a pocket -lens re- 

 veals new and wondrous aspects in the most familiar 

 things. An old and leathery lichen from a stump be- 

 comes a charming picture and a living one, for its hills 

 and hollows and winding valleys are the homes and 

 hiding-places of innumerable little creatures which the 

 pocket-lens brings to view. - The furrowed and weather- 

 worn bark of any tree has countless points of interest 

 and charm. Neither need there be any scarcity of ma- 

 terial at any season of the year. In the spring and sum- 

 mer the only trouble is to find the time to examine even 

 a small portion of all the wondrous and beautiful things 

 that nature then offers. In midwinter, life and beauty 

 are almost as abundant, if less conspicuous. The dust 

 swept by a feather from the wall of a dark cellar may 

 bring to light minute creatures not to be obtained else- 

 where. There is no end to the objects, there is no end 

 to the unlikely places that will reward a little search, 

 and there is no end to the telling, unless it be an abrupt 

 one. 



But although the beginner may never be at a loss for 



