Miscellaneous Intelligence. 157 
of the blue sky, which at that great altitude _ but little vapor in 
suspension capable of reflecting white li ght. It is to be regretted that he 
did not make a series of observations upon the oon obtained directly 
from the sun. Such a series would have been of great v value in deter- 
mining the agency of our atmosphere in producing lines in the spectrum ; 
and it is very necessary for the precision of astronomical chemistry to 
determine cree which lines are telluric, and which are attributable 
to a celestial origin. You will remember that in my note to you 
April last, siete in the May No. of this Journal, I sent you a diagram 
of the nine lines of which I found the solar D to be composed. I have 
since that date satisfied myself that of this group four only are truly solar 
lines and five telluric. Of this nature are a three faint lines on the red 
side of Kirchhoff’s central line and the two faint ones next adjoining i 
on the green side. My proof is that thie. om slihongh difficult objects 
at noonday with a battery of eleven prisms, are seen with ease near 
“ 
sunset with two. The whole of the yellow region of the spectrum is 
crowded with nog lines, and it is most desirable that they should be 
accurately know am very peaaeoete yours, 
Lewis M. Rornerrurp. 
New York, June 8, 1863. 
VII. MISCELLANEOUS SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE. 
On a System of Mounting Insects for the Microscope; by Hen 
T; Nec. B.A. (From the Journal of the Royal Dublin Society, on 
24, p. 271. )—The insects, after being caught, are put to steep in a solu- 
tion of caustic potash, until they become clear, or nearly so; the strength 
of the solution which I think the best for general purposes is, half a 
drac m to the ounce. If stronger than this is used, _I find it acts on 
: a it, I float the insect on to the oiid of the aide, and-not - mid 
dle (the reason for this will presently appear). I then ‘place the insect as 
nearly as possible in the form in which I wish it finally to appear; and, 
taking another slide, at tha end of which I hold a small bit of blotting 
paper, I lay it over the slide which has the object on it, the blotting 
paper being over and next the object; then gently and gradually press 
the two slides together, and pass over them a small clip made of flat 
brass-wire, and put the entire se em in water, to remain for sin 
hours, at least. 
