34 
Ralph_, on Mounting Objects. 
tlie variety of PL transversale, Breb.^ described by liim in 
the last (October) number of the 'Microscopical JonrnaP; that 
PI. lanceolatum, however^ is distinct from PI. transversale^ I 
think is proved by the fact that the former is the most common 
member of its genus on the Northumbrian shore, while I have 
never, yet, met with a single specimen of the latter. I may 
also state that De Brebisson considers it a distinct species ; 
he has informed me, within the last few days, that in Sep- 
tember, 1852, he discovered it on the sands at Dives, with 
many other species. But, unfortunately, he never published 
any description of these. 
On a New Method of Mounting Objects. By Thomas 
Shearman Ralph, Esq., Wellington, New Zealand. 
(Read November 12th, 1857.) 
With the accompanying specimens which I have sent for 
the acceptance of the Society, I feel much pleasure in adding 
a few observations as to the mode in which they have been 
prepared, and the manner of mounting them. I have looked 
over all the papers and communications of the Society in the 
'Quarterly Journal,^ and I hope what I have to say may 
prove as useful to some of the members as many of their 
observations have been to me at this far distant point of 
the globe. And I trust what I may have to say, if not 
savouring of novelty or usefulness, will be acceptable, as a 
proof that I have not been idle in the interests of the So- 
ciety. 
The specimens, as those now sent, will be found to be 
mounted on perforated slides of glass — a plan which I saw 
put into practice some years ago, but which was then only 
adopted with wooden slides ; but I think the present is a more 
suitable mode of mounting, as the glass is less likely to bend. 
I found considerable difficulty at first in making the prepara- 
tions ; but practice has made me more handy, and I am able to 
complete a sample in ten minutes. And as they are neater 
looking, I think they may supersede the use of the wooden 
ones. The method which I employ, when put into practice, 
will also enable any person to make cells of any required 
form or size, such as those in which tongues of the moUusca 
have been put up. 
Take a slide, of as great a thickness as can be usually had. 
