FREEHAND SECTIONS 
87 
the date of making the mount may be of interest in indicating the 
relative durability of stains. The beginner is likely to write also the 
stains used, and other details, which he will find quite unnecessary 
after a little experience. Figure 19 illustrates a good style of labeling 
and mounting. 
Fig. 19.—The label 
The following is a convenient summary of the foregoing processes, 
beginning with the sections in 95 per cent alcohol: 
1. Sections in 95 per cent alcohol. 
2. Safranin, 12 to 24 hours. 
3. 50 per cent alcohol, with or without acid, until color is right, generally 
about 2 to 10 minutes. 
4. Water, 5 minutes, changing frequently. 
5. Delafield’s haematoxylin, 3 to 30 minutes. 
6. Water, 5 to 10 minutes, changing frequently. 
7. Water slightly acidulated, 5 to 10 seconds. 
8. Water, to wash out acid, 20 to 30 minutes. 
9. 50 per cent alcohol, 1 minute. 
10. 95 per cent alcohol, 1 minute. 
11. 100 per cent alcohol, 5 minutes. 
12. Xylol, 1 to 5 minutes. 
13. Balsam. 
14. Cover and label. 
If clove oil seems necessary, finish as follows: 
12. Clove oil, 2 to 5 minutes. 
13. Xylol, 1 to 5 minutes. 
14. Balsam. 
15. Cover and label. 
Another method has given excellent results, especially with old 
stems, pieces of dry boards, etc. Cut pieces 5 to 10 mm. square and 
2 to 3 cm. long, boil in water, and, when cool, transfer to equal parts 
