255 



wax method, and in far less time ; while for use in the microtome 

 it is preferable because of its simplicity and portability, no acces- 

 sory appliances being required, because it cannot revolve in the 

 microtome like wax, and because of the facility with which it can 

 be removed from the tube and readjusted in it if required. The 

 object, such as a piece of hardened tissue, is loosely packed in the 

 tube of the microtome by means of dry elder pith which, being 

 wetted, in about three minutes swells so as to fill up the vacant 

 spaces and fixes the object immovably in place. This process 

 which is represented as equal, in most cases, to the common 

 method by wax or paraffine, is invaluable for cutting sections of 

 leaves and the like, for which the usual embedding media are nearly 

 useless. Even tissues embedded in wax may be conveniently 

 packed in the microtome by means of pith. 



NOTES. 



An organization bearing the title of the « Central Ohio Scientific 

 Association" was formed in Urbana, Champaign Co., O., in No- 

 vember last, with the following officers for the present year : Pres- 

 ident, Rev. Theo. N. Glover ; Vice-President, P. R. Bennett, Jr. ; 

 Corresponding Secretary and Curator, Thos. F. Moses, M. D. ; 

 Recording Secretary, Wm. F. Leahy; Treasurer, J. F. Meyer. 



The 22d of November, the block of granite which is designed 

 to cover the tomb of the naturalist Agassiz, left Interlaken for 

 Neuchatel. It has been taken from the rocks situated below the 

 glaciers of the Aar, near the hut whore A^<-\/. and his colleagues 

 in science explored the glaciers. — Siciss paper. 



The Detroit " Scientific Association" has during the past winter 

 held monthly meetings. The museum of the society is tempora- 

 rily located in rooms. The officers for 1874-5 are G. P. Andrews, 

 M.D., President; and A. B. Lyons, M.D., Secretary and Cabinet 

 keeper. There are eight Curators. 



The Geological Magazine edited by Henry Woodman, has just 

 completed the first volume of the second decade since its first 

 pul.lh-ation. This journal is of sufficient general and popular 

 interest to secure subscribers in this country among geologists. 



>hera are Messrs. Trubner & Co., of London. Subscrip- 

 tions will also be taken at the Naturalists' Agency. 



