a 
H. L. Smith on a Finger for the Microscope. 331 
C. stenolepis, Torrey, this Journal, xxx, 59, 1836. 
Some addition to the description given in the Journal, on specimens 
sent me by Dr. Torrey, is required. For Dr. Torrey soon found in a 
large numbe ecimens that many have not the terminal spike 
wholly staminate, but pistillate above, some of which spikes were not 
half staminate ome the staminate spike is very small or merely ru- 
ovate or subglobose.” Similar differences occur in the s specimens from 
om as = as — Torr. Mon., - 421-2, 
adusta, Boo r. minor, Boott, Fl. Bor. Am. 1840, is held by 
eh to aot C. phate. Tuck., which some still doubt. 
C. Vaseyi, Dew., this Journal, xxix, 347, 1860. 
- his Ilust., No. 71, Dr. Boott gave the difference between this plant 
and both C. vesicaria L. and C. monila Tuckerm man; and hence it was 
named as above. Yet I have been led to enquire, if the not mature form, 
C. Vaseyi, from Dr. Sartwell, may not be an immature state of C. monila 
Both Prof. Tuckerman and Dr. Boott have decided to the contrary. An- 
other season may give satisfactory conclusions to all, 
C. cylindrica, Schw., from more extended comparisons of discovered 
species, appears to belong to the small form of C. utriculata, Boott, and 
be C. utriculata, var. minor, Boott, in his Ilust., No. 37. 
—In the midst of ill health I have completed this le 
siviole | in Sie series on Carices, which was begun in this Journal, vol. vi 
1824, and which has been continued at intervals to the fort rty-second yea 
‘n extent and period wholly unanticipated. Encouraged by the bigiiorek 
and successful and lamented first editor, and favore is | 
éssors, I am happy to express my obligations, and to reeord my gratitude 
and respect. Should health be given, I may perhaps prepare the often- 
Solicited ee, of all the species, a natural and fitting termination of 
this Carico ography. 
nan 
Arr. XL.—On a Mechanical Finger for use with the Microscope ; 
by H. L. Surru, Kenyon College. 
IN order to make out satisfactorily the structure of the 
it wonien frustule, viewed as an opaque object, I found it 
hecessary to be able to change its position while still in view; 
and for this purpose, to mount it upon the end of a fine bristle, 
or hair. The bristle, having the diatom frustule adhering, may 
placed in one of eck’s revolving slide holders for 
a ite and examined with comparative ease on several 
ick up the diatom upon the end of the hair, or bristle, 
I eae fe the little piece of apparatus which, p =p gas 3 
Rot inappropriately be named “ a mechanical finger,” 
