1887. | BOTANICAL GAZETTE. 85 
inviting. Such copies may be taken in a blank book suited to the pur 
pose, or better, take them on single sheets of uniform size, as in this way 
imperfect copies may be thrown out, and when the work is completed 
they may be named, classified and bound, making a volume of real value 
and worthy of just pride. I would esteem it a favor as well as a pleasure 
to hear personally from any who may employ this method in any way 
the coming season, concerning the progress of their work, with its atten- 
dant imperfections and successes.—Horack M. ENGLE, Marietta, Pa. 
A method of staining Peziza specimens.—Decolorize the Pezize by 
soaking in a solution of corrosive sublimate (1 to 2000 Aq. Dist.). Wash 
from precipitated calomel by agitation in distilled water. Macerate in 
90 per cent. alcohol for twenty-four hours. For immediate examination, 
lower for a few seconds in a strong hematoxylin solution, wash in dis- 
tilled water; or, if preferred, use the dilute hematoxylin fluid. (See 
Campbell, ante, p. 40..—CHARLES E, FATRMAN, 
A visit to Washington.—A brief visit to the capital of the country 
recently gave an opportunity of inspecting some of the botanical work in 
progress under the ores of the government, a short account of which 
may interest other 
The casts of fie vegetables and fungi, cabin colored, with other 
material illustrative of the vegetable kingdom, first attract the attention 
of the visitor, as he passes through the museum on the second floor of 
the aaWiccilintial Building on his way to the herbarium. Entering the 
herbarium one is pleasantly greeted by the head of the Botanical Divis- 
ion, Dr. Vasey. During his fifteen years of service the botanical work of 
the department has expanded and developed new features, giving rise to 
two lusty offshoots, the Forestry Division and the Section of Vegetable 
Pathology. 
The large double room of the herbarium is lined with tall cases filled 
with the 200,000 sheets, or so, of mounted specimens, with tables and low 
cases in the center for bulky specimens. In this room also are the desks 
of the assistants. The division is fortunate in having recently secured 
the services of Mr. Crozier, of Michigan, who is now engaged in prepar- 
ing a catalogue of the North American desiderata. This will be heartily 
appreciated by the botanists of the country, enabling them to contribute 
desirable material, as they have long expressed a willingness to do, when 
they should be informed of the needs of the herbarium 
n the next floor above are the rooms of the Porentty Sh vinions 
The work here does not profess to be botanical, but as it deals with trees, 
many of the problems being treated biologically, and employs several 
eminent botanists in the field, the botanists of the country will naturally 
€ an interest in the work and its results. Mr. Sudworth, of Michigan, 
has recently been appointed assistant. 
