1891.] MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL. 31 



tell how the elastic rings, so characteristically shown in this slide, sep- 

 arate when ripe. If he does, it would be well to have called attention 

 to the little flat cells that are found in the middle of the ring where it 

 always tears apart. * *." 



To many circuit secretaries and other members who have kindly re- 

 paired or remounted slides that reached them in a damaged condition 

 the Club extends hearty thanks. 



The Note-Books have been improved on the average no less than 

 the slides. While even Jupiter nods sometimes, and there are some 

 books, even from a few circuits that generally do best, that are unfor- 

 tunately too brief, still an unusually large portion of the members gave 

 long and excellent notes on their last contributions, some of the notes 

 being instructive and thoroughly written essays that compare not badly 

 with the printed pamphlets accompanying the Cole slides. Some have 

 generously undertaken to add really good notes or drawings to slides 

 that seemed to need them, though contributed by others. Several of 

 our amateur photographers (especially Messrs. Christian, Line, Ritchie, 

 and Ashby) have added greatly to the value of the note-books by add- 

 ing numerous photographs of the objects described. The good that 

 these works are doing, and how well they are appreciated, is shown by 

 numerous remarks such as these : "I have learned much from the 

 slide and diagram ; thanks." "A very excellent description of a valu- 

 able preparation." " Would there were more such painstaking peo- 

 ple in this world as * *." " Many thanks to * *. Would that 

 more were like him willing, if not as able, to give information." " I 

 move a vote of thanks to * *." While the desire for fuller informa- 

 tion is often shown: "A very interesting slide. Some notes on the 

 habitat or distribution of this species would have been acceptable." 

 " This beautiful mount loses much of its interest by having no intelli- 

 gible description." " Will some one else help me out, to describe ob- 

 jects and fill these blank spaces? It may help somebod}'." 



The Appendix printed herewith contains a collection of such of the 

 recent notes as are at present accessible to the management, and as are 

 most suitable for publication by themselves. Many equally valuable 

 ones are most instructive in connection with the slides but not equally 

 available for use separately. There is reason to hope that, with the 

 notes now being added to the boxes as they circulate, and to be fur- 

 nished from time to time, there will be sufficient material for a good 

 Appendix to each year's Report. 



Special Boxes Needed. — Members are specially requested to con- 

 sider the following suggestions and queries thoroughly and at once, 

 and to send such suggestions or offers as may result before the first 

 of May. 



No circuit boxes have been sent out to be filled this season, except 

 to those who failed to fill their boxes last season ; and none will be, un- 

 less required by special and unexpected emergencies. Instead, volun- 

 teers having facilities for producing high grade professional work, or 

 for otherwise assisting in this scheme, are invited to send offers of 

 specialboxes to take the place of the Cole boxes now in use. Mr. Cole's 

 work, which we have used for years with great satisfaction, is no lon- 

 ger issued with explanatory pamphlets ; and when our supply becomes 

 scanty, early next season, we shall be in great need of a satisfactory 



