CRYPTOGAMS 265 



The nuclei will not always be seen in this way, but a drop 

 of methyl green or iodine solution run under the cover glass 

 will often stain the nucleus so as to make it plainly visible. 



If young onion root tips are prepared and properly sec- 

 tioned, the wonderful process of cell division known as 

 mitosis will be seen. This, however, requires careful prepa- 

 ration of the mounts. Prepared sections are preferable. 



226. PROTOPLASM 



Object. To demonstrate the living contents of a cell. 



Apparatus. Microscope, slips, cover glasses, and a flower of 

 tradescantia. 



Method. Mount a fresh stamen in a drop of water and 

 examine the hairs which are found upon the filaments. 



Note the cells of which these hairs are made. Watch 

 for some time until the eye is accustomed to the field. The 

 contents of the cell will be seen to be circulating inside the 

 walls. This slowly streaming fluid is the protoplasm. It 

 is alive. Does the protoplasm move about the nucleus or 

 does the nucleus also circulate in the stream? 



227. PROTOPLASM 



Object. To contrast the behavior of living with dead 

 cells. 



Apparatus. A red beet root, knife, beakers, and water. 



Method. Slice the root in thin pieces and place one or 

 two of them in boiling water for five minutes to kill the pro- 

 toplasm. Now put raw slices in one beaker of water and 

 the cooked slices in another. Let them stand for ten 

 minutes and note result. 



How do you explain the difference ? 



