’ NOTES. ` 953 
gold size ; the exterior ring being of vermilion or purple lake, and 
the interior ring white zinc in preference to white lead. Sealing 
wax varnish he does not trust. | 
AUTO-mMICcROscopy.—Dr. Otto Obermier, who died of cholera 
at Berlin a few months since at the age of thirty-one, deserves to 
be remembered as the first microscopist, probably, who continued 
his studies in pathology by the study of his own blood during 
the progress of the disease of which he died; the disease having 
been contracted, also, by imprudent devotion to its investigation. 
MEASURING THE GROWTH-RATE OF PLANTs.—E. Askenasy meas- 
ures with a micrometer the advance of the growing point of a root 
or branch in a glass tube in the field of the microscope. The stem 
is fixed by cork or other means at one end of the tube, and the 
conditions of light, temperature and moisture are easily regulated. 
A Revotvine Amp.icier.—Mr. John Emery exhibited, at the 
Royal Microscopical Society, a series of amplifiers, plano-concave 
lenses of different foci, arranged in a metallic disk which revolves 
‘BO as to bring any desired lens within the body of the microscope. 
| Quærme Fròes.—At the Medical Microscopical Society, Dr. 
Bruce stated that a frog might be quieted, for experiment on the 
circulation, etc., by holding for a few minutes in the hand, as well 
as by the usual plan of immersing in warm water. 
NOTES. n a 
Lr. G. W. WHEE eEr’s Expedition, for the Survey of the Territo-_ 
- ries west of the 100th meridian, has lately returned to Washington 
to elaborate the results of the last season’s work in the field. A 
very extensive ground in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Ari- 
zona was thoroughly gone over, and large collections were made 
_ by the naturalists of the expedition in all departments of zoology, 
as well as in botany and geology. The suite of birds is particu- 
larly large and valuable, embracing many rarities and desiderata. 
- Too much credit cannot be given to Mr. H. W. Henshaw for his, 
indefatigable | exertions in this department. His skins are in ad- 
mirable preservation, and form one of the most valuable lots ever 
brought. from the West. The birds and mammals will be elabo- 
| me by Mr. Hènshaw, in connection with De. LE Yarrow, a 
$ 
