364 Filamentous Algmfor the Micresco^pe. [^Tumfi. jLnfMseS 
precipitate of carbonate of lime, or chalk, ceases to form. The 
clear solution is now poured off, preferably through a good paper 
filter, and preserved in a well-corked bottle, away from the light. 
This is my solution of chloride of soda. The Alga is now boiled 
for a few minutes in the solution, but not so violently or for such a 
length of time as to break up the filaments, and then well and 
thoroughly washed with pure filtered or distilled water. It can 
thereafter be preserved in weak spirits, or, what I have found still 
better, water to which a few drops of creosote have been added. 
Thus the growth 'of fungi is prevented, which would otherwise 
mar the appearance of the object very materially. 
To mount such bleached specimens, I proceed as follows. 
Those which have been set aside in creosote water may be, of 
course, put up permanently in that Hquid, but those which have 
been preserved in spirits, I prefer to mount in creosote. A cell is 
procured of any suitable substance, as black varnish, gold size, 
marine glue, or other cement which will withstand the action of 
water, and a fragment of the Alga being placed in it in the usual 
manner, water is added, and a fine glass rod or stick of wood, just 
moistened with creosote, brought in contact with the liquid. In 
this way the water becomes sufficiently impregnated with the pre- 
servative to ensure its antiseptic action. The cover is then put on 
and cemented down. Thus we have a specimen of the Alga in a 
transparent condition, all colours which interfere with the observa- 
tion of many points being removed. In place of creosote water 1 
have made use of camphor water, and found it to answer admirably. 
The camphor water I make by using distilled water, and, just 
before placing on the cover, putting in a grain of gum camphor, 
which then remains in the cell, and if near the edge does not mar 
the appearance of the object in any way. Specimens can also be 
mounted in the glycerine-jelly of Mr. Lawrence, which preservative 
I find to be excellent for all kinds of Algae and vegetable prepara- 
tions generally ; in fact, after a little practice, the manipulation of 
it becomes almost as easy as that of balsam, and air bubbles, those 
torments of beginners, are the exception, and not (as is the case for 
a long time generally after a tyro begins mounting microscopic 
objects) the rule. Of the use of this jelly, or rather a modification 
of it, I shall at some future time have more to say,* 
* From the 'American Naturalist,' May. 
