1888. | ‘ BOTANICAL GAZETTE. 7 
tent with a single section successfully accomplished. It 1s 
especially for this reason that I write these lines. [I am con- 
vinced that it will prove useful when more observers are en- 
abled to study the internal development of vegetable organs 
than was hitherto the case. 
is also very fortunate, that with the imbedding 
method the application of those reagents now genera ly: 
employed for fixing protoplasm in its living form can be 
combined. Thus specimens are obtained in which the proto- 
plasts retain, in a great measure, their original appearance. 
That this is the case will be admitted, when I mention that 
in cells with a large amount of cell-sap the peripheral pro- 
toplasm remains entirely united to the cell-wall; that the 
sections of growing points exhibit in the most beautiful man- 
ner the process of cell-division, with its several karyokinetic 
matic cells with caustic potash or similar reagents, in order 
to make their forms visible. Now this has become wholly 
superfluous, and the protoplasm may be observed in the cells 
of the tenderest meristematic tissue, whilst the contours of 
these cells are rendered as distinct as can be desired by em- 
ploying the staining agents commonly in use. 
In trying to applv the imbedding method to vegetable 
objects, I have followed the methods by which zoologists ob- 
tain their specimens, and I can not say that I have discov- 
ered anything essentially new. But still, some special pre- 
cautions are to be taken. As everywhere else in microscop- 
ical research, it is difficult, if not impossible, to give general 
rules that will hold good for the treatment ot all objects. On 
the contrary, it will, in most Cases, be found necessary to 
treat different objects in a slightly different manner, and it 
will be the task of the observer to find out in each case which 
way he should follow. 
us it seems most rational, instead of giving general, 
and therefore partially inexact directions, to describe a single 
instance at full length. If anybody should wish to. become 
acquainted with the imbedding method T advise him to do 
precisely what I shall describe here, and he will easily suc- 
ceed in obtaining the same results. -He may then apply this 
method to other objects, which must, perhaps, be treated 
somewhat differently. 
les Vaenoles. Archives Neer! 1887. 
“Went. Les premi 
é 
