ol4 G. A. J. Cole—Apparatus for Flame-Reactions. 
to specimens from the Upper Lias of Wiirtemberg which are pro- 
bably also specifically the same. 
In conclusion it will be interesting to draw attention to a pectoral 
limb of I. acutirostris (quadriscissus), figured by Dr. O. Fraas in the 
Jahresh. Ver. Nat. Wiirtt., 1888, pl. vii., in which the contour of 
the integument is perceived. It appears from this figure that the 
integuments were produced a considerable distance on the posterior 
border of the paddle so as to form a large fold in the axillary region. 
VIJ.—On Simpxe Apparatus ror Uses IN THE OBSERVATION OF 
Fiamer-REACTIONS. 
By Grenvitte A. J. Coun, F.G.S. 
G EOLOGISTS, who are again and again forced to deal with the 
1 
most minute or fragmentary specimens, and who find it impos- 
sible to cultivate, during their surveys of the earth, the methods 
perfected by the mineralogist in his learned leisure, have fully 
recognized the importance of Prof. Szabo’s tabulation of the flame- 
reactions of the felspars. Since the accuracy of the results obtain- 
able depends largely upon the position of the mineral-particle in the 
flame, I venture to call attention to a form of support that has 
proved in practice as convenient, and efficient as it is simple. 
Following a long way in the wake of Prof. Miller’s ingenious 
goniometer, the materials of this little instrument are essentially 
wire and cork. A small gallipot, such as is used for Liebig’s 
extract, forms a base that is clean, strong, and adequately heavy. 
A brass wire, about 5 mm. in diameter, passes through the cork of 
this, and rises 15 centimetres above it, carrying a stout cork A, 
which can be slid up and down to any level. A steel wire or 
knitting-needle, some 25 cm. long, is pushed horizontally through A, 
the last 7 cm. on either side being then bent forward at right angles. 
Two small corks, B and B’, are carried by the parallel arms thus 
formed, and support, by means of a knife-slit in the top of each, the 
fine platinum wires employed. B can be slipped off the steel wire, 
the mineral fragment can be attached, with Prof. Szab6’s precautions, 
to the platinum loop, and the carrier replaced without fear of 
loss by jarring. B’ can be used for a type-specimen to be com- 
pared with that under examination, the wires on both corks being 
