MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION. 



31 



The fructification, too, in many of the minutely- 

 branched and filamentous Algse, can only be detected 

 under the microscope, — an object of great importance 

 to the scientific algologist, inasmuch as all plants in 

 fruit are of greatly enhanced value compared with those 

 that are barren. 



For use at the sea-side, and for all ordinary purposes, 

 the most convenient instrument is the Stanhope le?is. 

 After moistening the flat side, a fragment of the plant 

 to be examined is to be placed on it, and then viewed 

 by looking towards the light, with the convex side of 

 the lens close to the eye. 



It requires but very little practice to enable any per- 

 son to understand its use ; it can be purchased at any 

 optician's, the price varying from 2s. 6d. to 10s. ; may 

 be worn suspended by a ribbon, like an eye-glass ; and 

 requires no adjustment. 



By its instrumentality, the collector will be able to 

 observe beauties to which he might otherwise have 

 been a stranger ; whilst his knowledge of the plants he 

 collects will be greatly extended. 



The perfect comprehension, however, of the appear- 

 ances and peculiarities which characterize the nice dis- 

 tinctions botanists have assigned to genera and species, 

 should be the aim of every one who aspires to be some- 

 thing more than a mere collector. 



For such purposes, the Stanhope lens is not sufficient. 



