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POPULAR SCIENCE REYIEW. 
2. These cells exude a fibrous substance, which forms a stiff and tree-like 
network, forming a branching frame-work. — 3. The cells leave the mass, 
and glide in different directions along the frame- work to the periphery of 
the mass. The Labyrinthula cells can only continue their peregrinations 
when supported by this line of threads. — 4. The moving cells unite in a new 
mass and become cysts, in which each cell is surrounded by a hard covering, 
the whole being held together by a rind-like substance. — 5. After some 
time four small granules are formed from each cyst, which most likely be- 
come young Labyrinthula cells. — Vide Microscoincdl Journal, October. 
A Rare Australiayi Parrot. — At a very recent meeting of the Zoological 
Society, Mr. P. S. Sclater, the enterprising and indefatigable secretary, 
called particular attention to a rare Australian parrot which is now in the 
Society’s menagerie at Regent’s Park, and which was presented to the 
Society by Dr. F. Mueller, of Melbourne. The species is remarkable for its 
nocturnal habits. 
The Walrus at the Zoological Gardens . — The walrus, of which the public 
have already heard so much, may now be seen at the Zoological Gardens. 
He is in the pond with the seals. His diet, on which he seems to thrive, 
is composed of fish and porridge. The addition of this interesting creature 
to the Zoological Society’s collection is another instance of the admirable 
zeal which the present secretary displays in his management of the 
menagerie. 
Is Hyalonema Lusitanicum a Distinct Species . — According to the recently 
expressed opinion of Dr. J. S. Bowerbank, it is not. Dr. Bowerbank, having 
conducted a microscopical examination of this species, which has lately 
been made into a distinct genus of \ JELyalothrix] by Dr. Gray, states that it is 
not even specifically distinct from the H. mirahile of Japan. 
Preparation of Snails’ Tongues for the Microscope. — Mr. A. M. Edwards, 
of New York, publishes a method for the preparation of the tongues of 
molluscs such as Littorina, which are, as a rule, extremely difficult to 
mount ” satisfactorily. He uses a rather strong solution of caustic potassa, 
the strength of which he cannot exactly specify, as it must vary with the 
species under manipulation, some having ribbons of such strength that they 
will bear the very strongest solution, while others will be injured by im- 
mersion in a comparatively weak liquid. Into this solution, in a test-tube 
or other convenient vessel, plunge the whole animal,* in the case of the 
smaller creatures, shell and all. The specimen may be fresh, or preserved 
in alcohol, but on the former the potassa will act most vigorously. He has 
found that one good way is to let the animal stand in the shell until it dies 
and begins to decompose, when it can readily be removed, and falls in 
pieces. The lingual ribbon, as a general rule, is not easily decomposed. 
Now either set the potassa solution, with the animal in it, aside for some 
days, or boil it at once. You will then find that almost everything dis- 
solves and becomes soap,” except the shell and operculum, a few shreds of 
muscular fibre, and the prized lingual ribbon. Frequent washing with 
fresh water now removes all the alkali, and leaves the teeth clean and in 
perfect order. It can then be mounted in any preservative fluid which is 
miscible with water, and is best removed to alcohol, to be kept until it is 
mounted. To mount it, remove it from the spirit, and without drying 
plunge it in pure spirits of turpentine, in which it should be boiled for a 
