440 NATURAL HISTORY MISCELLANY. 
think the Darwinian theory approximates to the truth, and especially 
those who hold the “complete” theory, will of course believe, that 
of the last chapters in the book of ‘Ancient Life.” — Quarterly Journal 
of Science, London. 
2 
MICROSCOPY. 
EPARATION OF SNAILS’ TONGUES. —I present a plan devised many 
lin- 
dle. Iuse a rather strong solution of caustic potassa, the strength of 
which I cannot exactly specity, as it must vary with the species under 
tube or other convenient vessel, plunge the wh an age 
of the creatures, sh dall. Th cimen may be fresh, 
or preserved in alcohol, but on the former e potassa wilł act m 
vigorously. I have found that one good way is to let the animal 
d in the shell until it dies and begins to eee when it can 
readily be removed, pieces. The bbon, as a gen- 
e S, is not easily decomposed. Now either set the 
solution, with the animal in it, aside for some days, or boil it at once. 
You will then find that almost eve lves and becomes 
“soap,” except the shell and operculum, a few shreds of muscular 
fibre, and the prized lingual ribbon. Frequent washing with fresh 
‘perfect order. It can then be mounted in an: any preservativ: e fluid which 
is miscible with water, and is best removed to alcohol to be kept until 
it is is mounted. To mount it, remove it from the spirit, and without 
plunge it in pure spirits of turpentine, in which it — sit 
boiled for a short time to drive off some of the alcohol. 
© 
* 
