292 DECEMBER 



doubt, but fatiguing to the eye. Herr Zeiss, of 

 Jena, has come to the rescue by inventing a 

 binocular, of which each tube is adjusted separately 

 to focus. More much more than that the instru- 

 ment is constructed on the reflecting principle of an 

 astronomical glass, which gives great magnifying 

 power within a very little compass, and, at the same 

 time, extraordinary clearness of vision over an 

 extended field. For deer-stalkers this invention is 

 simply priceless, providing them with what is prac- 

 tically a pair of long-distance spectacles of high 

 power, so light, that they may be fixed by a fasten- 

 ing round the head, leaving the hands free. Need- 

 less to say what a boon they will prove to the field 

 naturalist. 



As a source of amusement, and more than amuse- 

 ment, it is strange how seldom one sees the spy- 

 glass made use of by people out for pleasure in the 

 country. The flight of birds, the course of streams, 

 mountains, rocks, ruined towers, passing ships 

 all contribute, often insensibly, to their enjoyment ; 

 yet it hardly ever occurs to anybody how inde- 

 finitely this enjoyment may be increased by very 

 simple means. Even a small case of lenses of three 

 powers, such as may be bought from any optician 



