SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR VOL. VI. ARE NOW DUE. SHE estABll HED 18c5 New Series. Vol. VI., No. 62. fy SCIENCE Coss A BY I WINSTONE MPKIN RSHALL, I1AM BERLIN: R. Frrto.as See IMPORTANT NOTICE JULY, 1899. ER & SOHN, CARLSTRASS MOO iis Reserved es il 3: SCIENCE-GOSSIP. Ty i ee i) ET ee, ee eo " WATSON & SON’S NEW MICROSCOPES & APPARATUS. WATSON’S New Parachromatic Oil Immersion Con- bE Se ak denser, 1°30 N.A., aplanatic Aperture, 1°25 N.A., undoubtedly the best condenser yet produced for high-power work. Complete with Tris mount 610 0 | Opt part only Ae os, WEST'S Table Stage, as’ described in “ Microscopy “2 column, SCIENCE-' Gossip, June, 1899 .. a (Nal 3 WATSON’S Van Heurck Microscope — .- a WATSO Edinburgh Student's Microse ope ae . WATSO ShinmiaeVGrOsSGOpe™ ss mae jeces Re For Field Work: . 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The Youna Collector's Outfit, + CONTAINING Butterfly Net, Pocket Box, Relaxing Box, Larva Box, Three Setting Boards (various sizes), Stores Box, Mixed Pins, Killing Bottle, Setting Needle, Clip Boxes, Blow-pipe and Egg Drill. Price, 10s. 6d. complete. Hl gt Cat@losuc of Apparatts post free. No, 56.--Stand, IniS diaphragm No. and: mahogany case, 2 eas), ola r Gx ass, N’A.1°0 B44. 57-—Stand, Iris diaphragm and mahogany case, £5 12s. 6d. SCIENCE MEMORIES OF By Joun Hl. Cooke, F aoe Maltese Islands have of late years become very popular as a winter resort, and thousands of visitors now reach their shores annually, in quest of the balmy, health-giving air which the ** tempo del diavoto” and ‘‘tempo sporco’’ of other countries fail to supply. The islands, however, have something more to offer besides climate and social advantages. They teem with mythological lore, and with pre- historic and mediaeval relics of the many nations who have, from time to time, controlled their destinies. The vicissitudes through which they have passed since the Phoenicians first landed on their shores three thousand years ago, possess a spice of romance which strongly attracts wayfarers, and excites the enthusiasm of all interested in classical and mediaeval history. Tue Giants A little more than an hour’s run from Valetta, the capital of Malta, lies Ogygia, in modern parlance Gozo. It isa small island, which has been immor- talised by Ovid in his fifth book of the Iliad, and by Fenelon in his ** Adventures of Telemachus” as being the place where the goddess Calypso and her nymphs held court, and the scene of the shipwreck of Tele- machus. To modern geographers it is better known as Gozo, corrupted by the Arabs from the name Gaulos, given to it by the Greeks two thousand years ago. The scenéry of Gozo is both varied and picturesque. For nine months of the year the country is covered with a rich mantle of corn, cotton, grapes and melons. Towards the centre of the Jury, 1899.—No. 62, Vol. VI. -GOSSTP. 33 CALYPSO’S ‘ISLE. island the long-drawn undulations of the plain, which lead up from the shore-line, gradually melt into the slopes of the plateaux. These again sink away in the distance into broad fertile valleys, forming a setting to the emerald green waters of the baylets that fringe the shore-line. The contrasts which the scenery of the island affords are striking and varied. They offer a wealth of material alike to the geologist, the botanist, and every other lover of nature. From the quaint little hamlet of Sciarra, where the love-stricken Calypso held her court, a fine view of the topography of the island is afforded. To the east lies the pyramidal-shaped hill of Inna Torra with its old Phoenician temples and tombs. —_ Bounding it on either side are two small ravines, which, on the Tower, Gozo. western slopes, coalesce and form the delightful valley of Uied el Ramla, where the headstrong Ulysses and his faithful Mentor planned their escape from the seductive intrigues of the goddess nymph. Away to the east extends its precipitous bat well- cultivated slopes, dotted with locust and fig-trees, and patched with luxuriant crops of clover and rye- grass. These under the influence of the light southern zephyrs sway to and fro, presenting kaleidoscopic changes of colour, that vary in the sun- light from a rich crimson to a richer purple, and graduating through every conceivable shade of a golden yellow retum to their crimson and purple. The island ahounds with reminiscences of old- 34 SCIENCE-GOS SIP. world habits and customs. On the slopes that lie beneath Sciarra stand the ruins of the Torre Gigantea, a Phoenician structure of barbaric design and colossal proportions, the origin of which has been ascribed by the oracles of the peasantry to the fabulous one-eyed Cyclops. The temple has been laid out in an elaborate, but roughly symmetrical plan. Its walls are massive, and are formed either with cyclopean blocks piled one on the other, or rows of enormous slabs standing on end. The various chambers have been arranged so as to allow of the edifice assuming an elliptical, or egg-shaped form. They are connected the one with the other by means of doorways, the portals and arches of which are ornamented with small circular indentations, sym- bolical of the starry heavens. Save that many of the outlying courts have now disappeared, the temple is much the same as it. was 3,000 years ago when the Phoenician priesthood solemnized their first ceremonies within its walls. Its stones are greyer. The storms of centuries and depredations of the goat- herds and the vandalism of tourists have displaced or destroyed some parts of the structure ; but with these exceptions the edifice is still substantially the same. The uncouth, roughly-hewn stones are invested with a melancholy charm such as would be sought They stimulate the imagination with their old-world associations and memories, and, as long as a bond of union exists between Science and her handmaid art, so long will these hoary relics of a lost people have a fascination for all thinking minds. The folk-lore of the peasantry locates the scene of Ulysses’s shipwreck on the shores of the little bay that lies beneath Sciarra, and it points out a cave that is situated on the same hill, as the place in which he was detained for seven years by amorous Calypso. Viewing Calypso’s Cave as it now appears, it would seem that Homer’s knowledge of forestry and of botany was about equal to that possessed by the average descriptive writer of modern times ; too much reliance should not therefore be placed on his free use of pre-Linnean lists. Where, the visitor to the ‘‘ Flor del Mondo” might ask, are now the ‘‘groves of poplars’? and ‘‘of aldets,” ‘‘ the limpid fountains” and the ‘‘mazy windings of the rills.” The grotto itself is but a small, common-place rock excavation. The stern reality is rendered all the more disappointing on “account of the glowing description with which the poet has immortalised it, and the historical halo in which it is enshrined. The vicinity is, however, very charming. A swarded olive grove lies immediately beneath, and the bright green grass dappled with the shadows of the olives, contrasts prettily with the more sombre colourings of. the caroubas around. In the evening when the setting-sun shoots its rays athwart the valley and lights up the sculpturing of the cliffs and pinnacled crags of Inna Torra, bathing them in a flood of softened glory, the view from the mouth of the grotto is exquisitely beautiful. It is not easy to understand why this cave should have been selected by tradition as having been the abode of the nymph queen, when there are so many fine caverns in the immediate vicinity. One of these, which is situated but a few hundred yards away, is specially interesting. Suspended from its roof, like icicles after a severe frost, are thousands of crystalline semitransparent stalactites the colours of which range from a snowy-white toa deep golden yellow. Through the roof and sides of the cavern a never failing supply of lime charged water slowly finds its way, and decorates with living pearls the pendants and traceries that hang around. When the light of the tapers falls on these and on the fantastic arcades and columns that are attached to the roof and sides, the reflections shed a softness and mellowness around, causing the back- ground to appear as though it were hung with the most delicate of crystalline draperies. The whole is very charming and fairy-like, so much so it almost makes one regret that the Gozitans were not more discriminating, when they assigned the abode of the goddess a place in their folk-lore. The hills and seacliffs of both Malta and Gozo are honey-combed with retreats such as these ; always’! away from the beaten tracks, but nevertheless easily accessible to those who do not begrudge a little labour in ,_Yeaching them. for in vain in more modern and pretentious ruins. ~*~ Mediterranean sunsets are famed for the gorgeous softness of their colourings, and for the grandeur of their effects. Beautiful from any part of the islands, on the Sciarra mount they seem to have lent to them additional and indescribable charms. Above the rich purple undertones of colour of the massive cliffs of Ras il Dimitri, the sinking sun fires the peaks that fringe the western horizon, shooting forth into the wondrous, filmy, vaporous clouds that cap their summits, strong bars of red and yellow and less vigorous rays of more subdued tints. They present a mass of colouring the adequate description of which is quite beyond the power of the pen. Among our painters Turner’s efforts probably approach nearest to the original ; among our litterateurs Mark Twain’s simile that a Mediterranean sunset is ‘‘ like a tortoise- shell cat having a fit ina dish of sliced tomatoes” is not at all an inapt one. Very few tourists penetrate to the north-western parts of Gozo, the most attractive and picturesque district in the Maltese Islands. The region has been much broken up by earthquake shocks, and the scenery therefore is varied, rugged and weird. The little bay of Cala Dueira is of special interest to lovers of the picturesque. On its shore-line lies a huge circular depression which has been formed by the subsidence of the roof of an enormous cavern. On three sides, the depression is surrounded by vertical cliffs that descend sheer, without a break, into the the waters of a lakelet that lies in the bottom. The shore on the southern side shelves from the mouth of the gorge to the base of the opposite bluff. A broad bank of pearly white limestone pebbles extending over the bottom of the hollow, causes the waters to seem to shallow, and thus gives them the appearance, SCIENCE-GOSSIP. in calm weather, of a huge mirror in a rocky frame- work of engirdling cliffs. The lakelet is such only in name. On the northern side its waters are connected with the Mediterranean by a long tunnel. This, the waves, raised by the Maestrale, have ploughed through the massive coast cliff, and, through it, in the winter time, the storm Waves surge in impotent fury, converting the hollow into a cauldron of boiling, seething foam. Away to the south of Dueira lies a typjcal Gozitan hamlet, with its quaintly-gabled houses, and _ its clusters of Phoenician rock tombs. Many of the tombs have been destroyed by the peasantry, but sufficient of them remain to show that Ghar Gherduff and San Giorgio were not the least important of the BUDEEREEIES. OF TEE 35 numerous Phoenician burying places that lic seattered over the islands. Right and left of these old-world settlements, the view of the Mediterranean is obstructed by mural crags of grey limestone, that tower to a height of 400 feet above the waters of the little bay of Dueira. These cliffs rise, regular but abrupt, their crests broken, perforated and rendered fantastically rugged, with a profuse growth of spurge and trailing clusters of the Leguminosae. Of sights, such as one would expect to find in the more popular resorts of Europe, Gozo is poor indeed ; but in tradition, historical association, and undefiled nature, the Hyperia of the poets is without an equal. Ravenswood Road, Redland, Bristol. PALAEARCTIC REGION. By Henry CHARLES LANG, M.D., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. Lonp. (Continued from page 5). VARIATION. | subject of variation is one of great import- ance. We have to draw a accidental varieties and local varieties, or races. The first are designated by the term aberration (a4), and signify those varietal forms which are found in the same localities, at the same season, and conjointly with the ordinary form. Some of these aberrations are produced constantly ; such as 7hais medesicaste, ab. honoratii B., Colias edusa ab. helice Ub., alrgynnis adippe ab. cleodoxa O. Other aberrations occur sporadically as individual forms, and some are either very rare or else almost unique, as for instance Vanessa polychloros ab. testudoEsp., V. antiopa ab. hygiaca H. True varieties or local races are those forms which more or less replace the typical form of the species in particular localities, e.g, Papilio aaa var. feisthamelit, Anthocharis tagis var. bellexina, Melitaea aurinia vars. merope and pro- winetalis, Lycaena eros, var. eroides, L. astrarche var. Arlaxerxes. It must, however, be borne in mind that variety and aberration are not constant zoological terms ; what is in one place a true variety, may occur else- where as an aberration. For example, the form of Apatura ilia called clyfie is sometimes a variety, and in some places may occur with the type, as an aber- 2 ration. Some forms that are at present accepted as Varieties, are, perhaps, distinct species, or in process in ‘ of becoming such in time. For these Dr. Staudinger ° great exponent of the law of evolution. I shall A line between has employed the term ‘‘ Darwinian species,” after our enumerate several of these as distinct species, especially in such genera as Parnassinus, Colias and Melitaea. In many alpine varieties there is probably & 1eversion to a primitive boreal type, such as in MW, aurinia var. merope, Pieris napi var. bryoniae, etc. C 2 ‘ SEASONAL DIMORPHISM. By seasonal dimorphism is meant that in species which undergo their transformation more than once in the year, there is frequently a marked difference m the appearance ofthe broods. This condition is much more universal than was formerly supposed. In tropical species wet and dry season forms are often strongly differentiated ; and in the Palaearctic species the spring and summer broods frequently exhibit con- stant difference. These seasonal forms are usually treated as varieties by modern entomologists. They are the result of differences in climatic influences. We see in some of our common British species, such as Pieris napi, examples of this divergence. In many Continental species it is very marked, especially in the case of Vanessa levana L., where the spring brood differs entirely from that of the summer, insomuch that Linnaeus gave them two distinct specific names. The latter is a black butterfly, with white bands; the former fulvous brown, with black markings. SEXUAL DIMORPHISM. In some species the female exhibits several forms differing in coloration and sometimes in pattern ; these forms are treated as aberrations. Examples may be seen in the female aberrations of 7/a/s deyrollet and Thecla fasciata, where several forms are found. The ab. Aelice of Colias edusa is a very well known example, which is followed by many species of the genus, such as C. aurora, C. myrmidone, C. erate, etc. This tendency in the genus Co/’as, towards a whitish ground colour, replacing the usual yellow- or orange in the female, is very probably due to a reversion to a primitive coloration. It is a remarkable fact that in some species of the genus, the females are always of a light colour, whilst the males are yellow or orange. Z 30 SCIENCE-GOS SIP. The ab. valesrna of Argynnits paphia is another example of female dimorphism. In England this form is chiefly confined to the New Forest, in Hamp- shire, but in Switzerland and Germany it is not uncommon. What in » 4 Re 7 "9 28 Legs (1st) a erte Ib, KG he VO) ES 20) ye GG (and) Ib) ET Mee BIH a ie BONING 4 4 8 (4rd) I ixvai 8 xo 9 8) x2 BpESimn Glens) Syd a4 (4th) TxOe XOuLT2 lara ONG Br sen 10a) 5, 1 5 ena After attachment to the host both the larva and pupa become replete with blood, black in colour, fully distended, and with the exception of size, closely resemble the appearance. fully distended female in general It is to be noticed that the size of the 50 SCIENCE- fully distended larva approximates very nearly to that of the undistended pupa, and that in the case of the distended pupa, may actually exceed the undistended female in size. This is probably accounted for by the accidental individual variation of the specimens measured. No growth is observable when ticks are kept in confinement on damp moss. It is probable therefore that length of body is only acquired by distension on the host by suction of blood. Other development, such as size of shield, rostrum, length and number of legs, are gradually formed after repletion, and after leaving the host. When these are complete the FLOWERS ON GOS STP. metamorphosis takes place, the tick then casts its skin and advances a stage in its existence, and at once seeks a fresh host. Larvae hatched on August 4th last year, and kept in a bottle are still alive and active on June 7th, though no growth whatever is perceptible. For many weeks past the damp moss has been removed, and they have had nothing but damp sand and blotting paper, from which it would seem impossible for them to have derived any nutriment. Fig. 13 gives a female and her eggs from a photograph. (To be continuea.) OLD WOOD. By ELEONORA ARMITAGE. N interesting and suggestive letter was written by Dr. Augustus Henry from Yunnan, to Mr. Thistleton Dyer, which was published in “Nature,” of November 17th, 1898. It contains the following sentences: —‘In many of the Mengtze and Szemao trees and shrubs, the flowers occur on the branches below the leaves, and not on the peripheral surface of the tree, as in ordi- nary cases. Many lianas haye this peculiarity. These are all forest plants, and I think the expla- nation is that in forests there are two surfaces open to imsect visitors, the top of the forest and the bottom. Some trees and shrubs and climbers can- not get to the top, so they have their flowers at the bottom. But, of course, this explanation is only a guess.” Dr. Henry goes on to mention as an example, Mucuna senvpervirens, a liana interlaced among trees, nearly 2ooft. by rooft.: “The main trunk of the climber close to the ground was covered with flowers, which were easily visited by thousands of insects of all kinds.” It is desirable to have an explanation of the reason why the flowers of some tropical trees are thus borne on the old wood. It is one of the most striking peculiarities of tropical vegetation, and forces itself upon the observer, rather in the fruit than in the flower, the former being usually the more conspicuous. Such, at any rate, has been my Own impression, when studying West Indian vegetation. The explanation suggested by Dr. Henry, though only as a guess, does not alto- _.gether commend itself to me. -It may be well to examine some other and familiar instances. A large forest tree, Couroupita guianensis, or ‘‘cannon-ball”’ tree, bears a suc- cession of flowers around the lower part of the trunk, on peduncles of varying length. From these peduncles hang numerous fruits in different stages of growth. When mature they consist of large round woody capsules, from which the tree derives its vernacular name. [If these fruits were borne on the distal portions of the branches, their weight would cause the branches to be bent down and distorted, and probably broken off. Another case is that of V’heobroma cacao, or cocoa tree, which is a rather low tree, much branched, and spreading. Its flowers are borne on peduncles an inch long, scattered on the trunk and larger branches. The oyal fruits usually measure about seven or eight inches long, and eight or nine inches in circumference, and are borne in large numbers, ripening in succession. Their presence on the young twigs would be a source of danger to the latter. Again, Crescentia cujete, or the calabash, is a tree of moderate dimensions, bearing its flowers on very short peduncles on the trunk and older branches. At the same season, fruits may be seen on the tree of varying sizes, from that of an acorn to the large, heavy, spherical fruits, some of which measure over twenty inches in circumference. It is unnecessary to indicate the result to a young branch if a fruit nearly the size of a football were hanging on it, when the trade-winds blow strongly. Other examples might be adduced, but would take up too much space. The suggestion, that the facts sketched above have more to do with the force of gravity than with insects, is put forward with diffidence, in the hope that it may call forth a real solution of the problem. It does not profess to clear up the whole question, as it only applies to the large-fruited examples, and not to others with a similar floral habit; for example, /icus, where the fruit is not so large. It is not difficult to theorise on this subject, and to imagine a stage in the early history of one of these plants, when the flowers were borne normally on the young wood. A slight increase in the weight and dimensions of the fruit, if unaccom- panied by a corresponding strengthening of the tissues of the branches, would lead to the snapping off of the latter. The plant would be compelled to develop dormant or adventitious buds on the older portions of the branches and stem, to replace those that had been destroyed. Such plants as were thus able successfully to resist the ravages of wind and rain might, after many generations, take on this habit and renounce their former one. }> 4 SCIENCE-GOS SIP. 51 Something of the kind has already happened to some of the trees on the West Indian Islands, which were deyastated by the hurricane of Sep- tember, 1898. [ heard in November that /oin- ciana regia and Cassia fistula, which were entirely stripped of their foliage and smaller branches, had put forth fresh leaves and even flowers, though normally their flowering season does not begin until May. Dadnor, Herefordshire. May 6th, 1899. CINCHONA BARK. By Lewis OuGu, | gas genus Cinchona, from which this bark is obtained, constitutes with several allied genera, the tribe Cinchoneae of the natural order Rubiaceae. The tribe consists of trees and shrubs, with opposite leaves, two celled ovary capsular fruits and numerous minute ascending or vertical peltate, winged albuminous seeds. The genus has deciduous stipules the flowers in terminal panicles, 4 superior calyx with five teeth, the five lobed . tubular corolla being fringed at the margin. The flowers are of a purplish rosy or white colour pos- sessing a somewhat agreeable odour. The plants are evergreen, the finely-veined leaves being trans- versed with a strong midrib. There is a diversity of opinion as to the number of species known. Wed- dell, in 1870, enumerated thirty-three with eighteen sub-species, besides varieties and sub-varieties, whilst Bentham and Hooker estimate the species at about thirty-six, of which eighteen are known to yield commercial bark ; the following four being the most important :—Cinchona calisaya Weddell, yielding Yellow Bark. Cinchona officinalis Lin- naeus, the source of Loxa Crown or Pale Bark. Cinchona succirubra Pavon, giving Red Bark, by far the most important, and the variety principally used at the present time. Cinchona lancifolia Mutis, from which is derived Columbian or Co- quetta Bark, but by some authorities this is treated as a variety of Cinchona officinalis. The Cinchona trees are all indigenous to the western part of South America, where they grow between todeg. North latitude and 22deg. South latitude, an area which includes Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador, New Granada and Peru. They are found in the mountainous regions, the average altitude being about 6,000ft. above the sea level. The highest limit noticed is 11,000ft. One species, Succirubra, is however found as low as 2,o00ft. The climate of this region is very variable, sunshine, mist, storms and showers alternating without much thermometric change. Some of the more hardy species may even for a short time be subjected to freezing-point without injurious results. Their growth appears to be influenced far more by climatic agencies than by .the composition of the soil, for although the trees occur in a great variety of geological forma- tions, these altered conditions do not, to any marked degree, control the development of the trees or their chemical constituents. Previous to 1860 the Cinchona trees were only found wild in the above-named countries. | Now they are carefully cultivated in India, Ceylon and lagu NOH OHS}: Java, and these annually yield thousands of pounds of bark from which is obtained the bulk of the quinine and other alkaloids for use through- out the world. The word cinchona is not now merely a botanical term, but one which is in con- stant use by! physicians, chemists, planters and merchants. The genus Cinchona is so named after the fourth Countess of Chinchona, whose husband was in 1628 appointed Viceroy of Peru, which then included the whole of South America except Brazil. Pre- vious to that time the bark was only known to the natives in one locality, where it was greatly dis- trusted by their itinerant doctors, and it may be said even now with some degree of truth that Peru is the only country where Peruvian bark is not extensively used. It first came into notice in 1638, when the Countess lay ill of tertian fever at Lima, and a parcel of the bark, then known as quinquina, was sent her by the corregidor of Loxa, which administered by her physician effected a complete and rapid cure. On her return to Spain two years later she brought back a quantity of the valuable bark for the use of the sick on her husband’s estate, when the medicine was called Countess’ Powder. The town of Chinchon is situate about twenty- five miles south-east of Madrid, and although the castle is now in ruins, the population is at present about 6,000 inhabitants. A few years later parcels of the powder were sent by Jesuits to Rome to be distributed. It was known there as Jesuit’s Powder and Cardinal’s Bark, with the absurd result that no Protestant would have anything to do with it for some time afterwards. At that time its value was about roo raels per pound. It was not until 1735 that the forests of Loxa were visited by French scientific men, and a few years afterwards specimens were sent to Linnaeus, who described it and very appropriately named the genus in honour of the lady who first made its healing virtues known. Unfortunately, he was misinformed as to her name and the ‘“‘h” was omitted, most probably in consequence of having received it through a French source. In some of his later editions, how- ever, the spelling is altered, but as he died soon after his description was published, the word has remained Cinchona, although pleas for its correct spelling have been made from time to time. After the introduction of the bark into Southern Europe, its reputation gradually spread northward, but it was not until 1655 that it was known in England. Three years later one of our earliest 52 SCIENCE-GOSST/P. newspapers, ‘* The Mercurius Politicus,’ con- tained an advertisement offering for sale ‘‘an ex- cellent substance known by the name of Jesuit’s Powder.” which had been brought over by an Antwerp merchant. A Dr. Talbor used the remedy largely in the reign of Charles II., the king him- self being cured of fever by its aid. This physician also had the good fortune to cure the Dauphin of France, which brought him into favour with Louis XIV., who paid him 2,000 louis d’or and an annual pension of 2,000 livres to publish his mode of treat- ment. This was found to consist of the adminis- tration of the bark infused in wine—something similar to the quinine wine of the present day. The particulars of the remedy were published in England in 1682, and since that time Cinchona bark has been accepted into the domain of regular medicine. The hardships of the collectors in the primeval forests were of the severest kind. They were prin- cipally natives in the pay of speculators and com- panies, who were termed cascarilleros, from the Spanish word cascara, signifying bitter. Having selected the tree, its stem generally had to be freed from the climbing and other plants with which it was encircled, and after beating, the sapless outer bark was readily removed. Then by transverse and longitudinal incisions the valuable inner bark was stripped as high as could be reached. - After felling, the peeling was completed and the bark dried either by natural or artificial heat. That from the smaller branches rolled up into quills or tubes similar to cinnamon bark, that from the trunk was made to dry flat by being weighted. It was then known as table bark. Formerly the root bark was neglected, but even that is now largely used by the alkaloid manufacturer. It was con- veyed to the coast in serons of raw bullocks’ hide, each weighing about one hundred pounds. The above reckless system of bark cutting and collection, resulting as it did in some districts in the extinction of the trees, aroused the attention of European botanists. About the year 1830 its cul- tivation on a large scale was attempted in other countries. After several unsuccessful trials the Dutch Government in 1834 shipped forty-one cases of young plants to Java, but with every care they did not reach their destination in good condition, so at the end of two years, only about one-third were alive. It was soon discovered that the col- lection of the seeds was the more satisfactory plan, --and by this method the plants grew and flourished in the hilly parts of North-West India and the Madras Presidency, so that in 1866 there were more than one-and-a-half million plants on the Neil- gherry hills alone. Since 1867 the bark has teached us from these plantations in ever-increasing quantities. For many years Ceylon has also pro- duced large supplies. In India it was found that if at the end of eight or nine years the trees were cut down the younger shoots yielded very fine bark. A system of ‘‘mossing”’ was introduced by MelIvor, who enveloped the growing shoots with a layer of damp moss. The yield of alkaloid was increased by this treatment, and the growth of re- newed bark promoted. Another plan of mossing is to remove longitudinal strips of the bark and cover the exposed portions with moss. Later the unstripped parts are treated in a similar manner, and a large yield of bark obtained without de- stroying the trees or their vitality. Without taking into consideration those alka- loids unimportant from a commercial standpoint, and which are only contained to a very small extent In certain species, the four principal ones are quinine, quinidine, cinchonine and cinchonidine. Certain secondary principles are also developed during the treatment of the bark, the principal being a substance known as quinoidine. This con- sists of resinous and colouring matters, with the alkaloids more or less changed by the heat acids and chemical treatment to which they have been subjected. This body, also known as amorphous quinine, is obtained from the liquors from which sulphate of quinine has been crystallised, and bears about the same relation to true quinine as un- crystallised sugar does to commercial sugar. It is found that different barks derived from the same species vary greatly in richness of alkaloids, and that equal fluctuations occur in their relative pro- portion. As much as 13 per cent. of total alka- loids have been found in some specimens, whilst in others they are altogether absent. The alka- loid principally used in medicine in this country is quinine, in the form of the sulphate, but as most barks also contain large quantities of cinchonine and cinchonidine, uses have been found for these, principally in India. In fact, the whole four have very similar medicinal properties, and by some authorities quinidine has been credited with being more active than quinine itself. Cinchonine, and probably the other alkaloids, yield when distilled with caustic potash an oily liquid choline, a body that exists in coal tar, and which forms with acids, crystalline salts. Im- ported cinchona bark is never uniform in quality, in the amount of alkaloid it contains, and a sample of every bale or seron is analysed before it 1s offered for sale. Its value is regulated by the amount of quinine it yields, the price being stated in “units,” that is, so much per pound for every percentage of quinine it contains, a bark yielding 5 per cent. at a penny per unit would be worth five- pence per pound. The alkaloids are according to Howard chiefly contained in the cellular tissue, but no definite knowledge has yet been obtained of the exact steps by which it is formed, nor have the numerous en- deavours made to build up quinine from its ele- ments been attended with any marked success. In the leaves quinine appears to be present in only minute quantities. A larger amount is found in the stem bark, and this slightly increases towards the root, where it again decreases, cinchonine being there present in a larger proportion. Among the unimportant alkaloids are quinamine SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 53 (or paytine), paracine, pitoyine, cusconine, aricine and cinchovatine, this latter being said by some authorities to be identical with cinchonidine. The composition, characters and medicinal action of most of these are, however, not definitely known, and they are of no commercial importance. Al- though as previously stated the value of this bark was known in 1638, it was not until 1810 that attempts were made to determine its active prin- ciple. In that year Gomez (or Gomes), a Portu- guese, obtained a mixture of alkaloids which he named Cinchonino, and this was shortly after- wards shown to consist of quinine and cinchonine. A few years later quinidine and cinchonidine were discovered. Although differing in many respects, quinine and quinidine have the like chemical composition, whilst in the same way cinchonine and cinchonidine are identical. The exact detail of the manufacture of these alkaloids on a com- mercial scale is kept a profound secret. The alkaloids appear to exist in the bark in combination with kinic (or quinic) and quinotan- nic (or cinchotannic) acids. This latter by atmo- spheric oxidation is converted into cinchona red or cinchofuloic acid, a colouring matter which is con- tained in some species of red bark to the extent of 10 per cent. Quinovic acid, which is a constituent of the rhizome of Potentilla tormentella, has also been found in Peruvian bark, together with an amorphous bitter principle, quinovin. These two substances are stated to have tonic properties, whilst kinic acid is practically inert. The ash yielded by cinchona bark does not exceed 3 per cent. An acid solution of sulphate of quinine, or sul- phate of quinidine, has the property of being fluorescent. A very delicate test for these alkaloids is the green precipitate or coloration obtained by adding to either of their solutions of bromide, or chlorine, water and ammonia. By this means one part in 200,000 is readily detected. This is known as the Thalleioquin test. The bitter taste of quinine is also appreciable in very dilute solutions. \ The chief value of this bark and its alkaloids is a5 an antiperiodic, especially in intermittent fevers ; the bark is also largely used as a tonic, but the inconvenient bulk and uncertainty of composition, except in standard preparations, renders it a far less eligible form of medicine than the alkaloids themselves, although the other constituents of the bark, especially the cinchotafnic acid and cin- chona red appear to have a slightly different medi- cinal action. Quinidine has been shown to be the most active alkaloid, but being yielded in any quantity by only a few species, it is not in general demand. As it has been conclusively shown that cinchonine and cinchonidine have a similar action to quinine, but to a lesser degree, it is a regrettable waste that only small quantities are used in this country. For medicinal preparations of the bark the present pharmacopoeia directs that only culti- vated red bark may be used, that must contain from five to six per cent. of total alkaloids, of which not less than half shall consist of quinine and cinchonidine. Besides the sulphates above mentioned, hydrochlorates, valerianates, tartrates, citrates, phosphates, tannates, bromides and iodides, are in more or less frequent demand as remedial agents. Importation of spurious cinchonas is now very rare, but the substitution of inferior for good varie- ties is frequently noticed. To determine their true value with certainty, chemical analysis must be re- sorted to, the percentage of quinine being the only criterion of value. There is, however, one so- called spurious bark, emijia pedunculata, known as cuprea or copper coloured bark, which actually yields quinine, and this is very valuable to the manufacturer of that alkaloid. It contains in addition cinchonine, cupreine, and homoquinine, or ultraquinine, the two latter being without any medicinal yalue. Another variety of cuprea bark, Remijia purdiana, is the source of cinchona- mine, and it also contains cinchonine. Curzon Terrace, Leicester. . COLLECTION AND PREPARATION OF FORAMINIFERA. By ARTHUR EARLAND. (Continued from page 9.) PREPARATION. Re cleaning and preparation of the foraminiferous material may be deferred for any length of time, provided it has been thoroughly dried before being packed away. Unless this is done, the presence of so much organic matter will favour the growth of fungoid mycelium, which not only entails much additional labour in the cleaning process, but also destroys that glassy transparency which is the great charm of the hyaline foraminifera. The most extreme care will, however, sometimes fail to prevent the growth of mycelium in uncleaned material, and gatherings sent from abroad frequently reach this country with the particles matted together with the fungoid threads. Ihave successfully cleaned such gatherings by boiling in a strong solution of washing soda, which dissolves the mycelium. After washing away all trace of the soda, the material should be thoroughly dried, and if considered necessary, it may be absolutely sterilised by covering the sand for a few hours with methylated spirit. It is, however, much the best to clean the material as soon as possible after collection, thereby lessening its bulk and obviating any risk of loss from mould. The apparatus required for the purpose is simple and inexpensive, and much of it may be improvised if necessary. ' I will, with assistance of a few figures, describe y 1 2) some of the most useful pieces of apparatus: Fig. 1 is a tripod which can be made by any working smith. The legs are formed of iron rods rivetted to two rings of hoop iron. My tripod is 15 inches high, and 34 inches across the top ring. It is used as a support for the sieves during the washing process, in order to leave the operator’s hands free. A retort stand with rings of suitable size will answer the purpose equally well. Fig. 2 is a tall glass cylindrical vessel, used for the separation of the floating foraminifera. Such jars can be obtained of any chemical apparatus dealer. The spout which appears in the figure is not essential, 54 SCHEIN CIAGOS SIP, generally of brass wire, copper being used for the finer mesh. The most useful sizes, in my experience, are 120, 80, 40, 20 and 12 meshes to the inch, and the collector will do well to provide himself with as large an assortment of sieves as possible, for the subsequent labour of examining the material under the microscope is greatly lessened, if the material has first been divided into numerous grades of fineness. The 120-mesh copper gauze is, I believe, the finest metal gauze readily procurable, and for most materials it is fine enough, as the apertures are only =}pth of an inch in diameter. With some materials, however, it is necessary to use a sieve with smaller apertures. APPARATUS FOR PREPARATION OF FORAMINIFERA. although a very useful feature. It is 9 inches high by 24 inches diameter. The essential points in such a jar are (a) perpendicular sides without neck or constric- tion of any kind to prevent the foraminifera rising to the surface; (4) a foot so that it may stand un- supported ; (¢) it must be of glass, so that the operator may watch the rising of the floats and judge the correct time for straining them off. An opaque vessel is almost useless for the purpose. Figs. 3 and 4 represent two kinds of sieves, which can be made to order by a coppersmith. The larger sieves are four inches high, four inches across the top, sloping to three inches bottom diameter. They -are made of sheet copper or zinc. Across the bottom a piece of wire gauze is strained and soldered to the outside edge so that there is no ledge of solder inside the sieve to retain unwashed material. The smaller sieves are made of 14-inch brass telescope tubing, and are one inch deep, the gauze being soldered on in the manner already described. The wire gauze may be obtained through any large ironmonger, and is of varying degrees of coarseness from 10 to 120 meshes to the linear inch. The price, which increases with the fineness of the mesh, ranges from a few pence to four shillings a square foot, the smallest quantity obtainable. The coarser gauze is This may be effected by silver-plating a piece of the 120-mesh gauze so as to reduce the size of the aper- tures, or preferably by using the silk gauze prepared for millers, which can be bought of various grades up to 240 meshes to the inch. In order to use it, the collector must have a sieve made similar to fig. 3, Fig = ~ but without a bottom. The gauze is then stretched across and secured with a rubber band. Fig. 5 is a tray used for picking over material under the microscope. It is made by covering a piece of cardboard with coarse black ribbed silk. A piece of wood, or thick card, is then cut to the shape of the figure and glued on the top. When the forams are placed on the tray, a gentle tap scatters them over the surface, and the ribbed silk prevents them from rolling down, when placed on the inclined stage of the microscope. (To be continued.) BOOKS TO READ NOTICES BY JOHN T. CARRINGTON. An Illustrated Manual of British Birds. By Howarkpb SAuNbERsS, F*.L.S., F.Z.S., second edition, revised, xl. +776 pp., Siin. illustrated. (London: Gurney and Jackson, 1898-9.) 20s. The second edition of this standard work, issued in twenty monthly parts, was completed with the June number, with which are coloured maps of the British Islands, Europe, and the North Polar Region. The whole work forms the most concise and at the same time trustworthy book on birds of a single region that has ever been written. The illustrations have been thoroughly overhauled and many redrawn. 5iin., SCIENCE-GOSSIP, 55 for the to be avoided. one, and too technical for the other, had This second portion of Mr. Elsden’s work is full of interest for the latter class. The illustrations are helpful, and judic iously chosen. Cries and Call-Note of Wild Birds. By C. A. WITCHELL. xi. +84 pp. 74 in. * 5 in., with musical illustrations. (London; L. Upcott Gill. 1899.) 1s. Mr. Witchell has for some time past given attention to the notes of our British wild birds, and it will be remembered he was the author of a work entitled the ** Evolution of Bird Song,” which we noticed at the time of issue. The book before us is an attempt to indicate the call-notes, familiar to those interested in birds. It is a very difficult subject to lucidly demonstrate, and requires more than ordinary courage to write a book on this subject. Considering the familiarity of mankind with birds and their songs it is astonishing that so little is understood about them. Mr. Witchell and the publishers deserve praise for producing this popularly arranged book, which cannot fail to arouse interest, and extend the study of bird notes, a pursuit that may be followed at all seas ns of the year, that are POMATORHINE SKU. They are most accurate in delineation, and some have a lifelike piquancy which has seldom been excelled. The additions are chiefly by Messrs. C. Whymper and G. E. Lodge. By permission of the publishers we reproduce an example of Mr. Whymper’s drawing in that of the Pomatorhine Skua. This work is one of the very best on British Birds for public libraries or private use, as it contains all the additions, ard latest information upon British Bird Fauna. Applied Geology. By J.V.ELSpEN, B.Sc., F.G.S., Part ii., 254 pp., Shin. < 54in., illustrated by 186 figures. (London: The Quarry Publishing Co., Limited, 1899.) 5s. The author has had the somewhat difficult task of writing the chapters constituting this book in such a manner as to satisfy geologists, and men interested in stones and metals from a commercial aspect. It was hot easy, as the danger of being too elementary (From Saunders“ J. Hanbury, 37, Lombard Street, 1899.) British Birds.") Flora of Kent. By FREDERICK JANSON HANBURY, F.L.S., and EpWARD SHEARBURN MARSHALL, M.A., F.L.S., Ixxxiv. +444 pp., 74in. 5in., with one plain and one coloured map. (London: Frederick 12s. 6d. The compilers of this new flora of Kent, which was so much needed, are both well-known botanists, the former being the editor of the last edition of the ** London Catalogue of British Plants,” and author of his celebrated ‘* Monograph of the British Flieracia.” No pains have been spared to make this flora as com- plete as possible, for which purpose all herbaria and botanical literature likely to throw light on the subject, have been examined. The investigation has continued since 1872, when Mr. Hanbury first commenced to accumulate records and facts regarding the flora of Kent. Among those who have helped, appears a list of upwards of a hundred well-known names, who have materially contributed 56 SCIENCE-GOS STP. to the success of the volume. To these are appended a list of books and papers quoted or consulted, and a list of the herbaria examined. Prefacing the flora proper, is an important introduction dealing with contingent subjects, such as Topography, Drainage, Altitudes, Geology, Meteorology, Delineation of the Botanical Districts, and Botanical Notes. There is also a comparative table, extending over about twenty pages, of the plants occurring in Kent and the adjacent counties of Essex, Middlesex, Surrey, and Sussex. Another important fea- ture is an Historical Summary of the Botany and Botanists of the County, by Mr. B. Daydon Jackson. The flora before us does not include the Cryptogamia, but it is hoped Messrs. Hanbury and Marshall may issue that section at a future time. The situation of the county with regard to the rest of the British Isles, and the great diversity of soil and locality, render it one of the richest regions in these Islands. There are recorded approximately eleven hundred and sixty species of phanerogams, found growing within its boundary. It is especially rich in orchidaceous plants, no less than thirty-three of the forty-four British species being found. Rambles with Nature Students. By Mrs. BRIGHTWEN, F.E.S. 323 pp., Sin. x 53in., with numerous illustrations by Theo. Carreras. (London : Religious Tract Society, 1899). This is one of Mrs. Brightwen’s well-known, pleasantly-written books for young people. — Her object is to induce those who have opportunity of rambling through rural districts to observe and-search for the reasons of the many wonders of Nature surrounding them. The book is divided into months, and familiar objects for each are figured and accom- panied by chatty explanations. The whole is beauti- fully illustrated with a frontispiece and nearly one hundred and fifty drawings. It is a book to be recommended to the unscientific lover of Nature and country lore, for whom it is intended. All About Birds. By W. PERCIVAL-WESTELL. 176 pp., 7zin. x 5in. (London: Feathers Publishing Co., Limited, 1899.) Is. 6d. Considering the sweeping title of this little book, we hardly wonder that the author finds it necessary to commence his preface with an apology. One would have thought it would not have been difficult to select some other, which would have more correctly described its contents. Its pages are occupied by an apparent reprint of a scrap-book in which the author seems to have pasted all sorts of newspaper cuttings and jottings from other sources, which refer to birds. Some are amusing and others probably true. As an example we quote one on page 25. ““«Them eggs is mighty old,’ remarked Uncle Swayback to the waiter; ‘ Ill bet them’s the Lays of Ancient Rome, Vve heard tell of.’” Again, the “author informs us that ‘‘a pelican’s pouch is large enough to contain seven or eight quarts of water.” Doubtless the author on issuing this literary effort felt as proud, as did ‘ta hen when it laid a foundation stone”; perhaps he may include this ‘‘ fact” in his next edition. Entomological Society of Ontario. Twenty-ninth Annual Report, 1898. 120 pp. 93 % 6% in, Illus- trated with 67 figs. and two portraits. (Toronto: Warwick Bros. & Rutter, 1899). The portraits illustrating this Report are of two past presidents, Messrs. W. H. Harrington, F.R.S.C., and John Dearness, I.P.S.. There are many articles of considerable interest in this Report, which is very fully illustrated, and Mr. H. H. Lyman’s address. ~ SSS SSS 1 KX CONDUCTED. BY JAMES QUICK. CoHERERS. — Branly has recently modified his metallic disc coherer by substituting a row of balls, I cm. diameter. These are found to be very sensi- tive, but the sensitiveness greatly depends upon the material of which the balls are made. Brass and lead are useless, but by mounting ten balls of soft iron, one above the other, an initial resistance of about 990 ohms is obtained. This is reduced to 60 by a spark of 1°5 mm. passing at a distance of 10 metres. A slight shock sends the resistance up to 1,300 ohms, and a second spark brings it down: again to 80 ohms. Hard steel balls produce similar results. A ball coherer, consisting of six hard steel balls, is about equal in sensitiveness to a coherer of gold filings. Care has to be taken, however, in regulating the de-cohering tap or shock. A sensitive coherer may also be constructed by enclosing a drop of mercury in a glass tube between two cylindrical brass electrodes. Biack RApIATORS.—The efficiencies of the various black materials used in coating instruments for radiant heat, have been investigated recently by Kurlbaum. A bolometer is exposed to radiation from a standard bedy in the shape of an orifice of a hollow cylinder of brass, blackened inside and heated on the outside by steam. This orifice may be covered by a diaphragm on which is deposited lampblack, or platinum black, kept at the same temperature. The radiation from these sources may thus be directly compared. The results are different. The absorbing, and therefore the radiating, power of lampblack increases rapidly with the thickness of deposit, while that of the platinum black, although it also increases, does so much more slowly.’ The results of the experiments show that the latter is the better for most purposes. RECORDER OF PHOTOMETRIC READINGS.—When taking photometric readings the illumination of the scale’ is generally a drawback, as the retina gets fatigued and theréfore temporarily less sensitive. To overcome this disadvantage use has been made of the following arrangement. A cylinder of wood is mounted with its axis parallel to, and somewhat below, the top of the photometer bar. At the end of a spring, attached to the photometer carriage, a steel point projects downwards nearly to the surface of the cylinder. By means of a rachet wheel arrangement, the cylinder can be advanced a certain angular amount. The paper upon the cylinder is at the same time punctured by means of a steel point. The observer can thus take a series of readings. MuLtieLe IMAGES.—Some recent experiments of Mr. Shelford Bidwell have shown that the undefined image of a luminous object, produced upon the retina of a normal eye appears to be composed of a crowd of separate images of that object — If say, the filament of an incandescent lamp is looked at through a lens, concave or convex, of about 15 cm. focal length from a distance of a few feet, numerous separate images of the filament are seen, some brighter than others. The number of these images increases as the distance of the observer from the lamp is extended, or when the lens is placed farther away from the eye. ie ; SCIENCE-( n Animated Photography A combined Cinematograph and Snap- shot Camera, Printer, Projector, Reverser and Enlarger, fitted with two SPECIAL VOIGTLANDER LENSES. HIGHLY FINISHED IN POLISHED ERONY. PRICE £6 6s. Size 3 < 55 X 9}. Weight 2} Ibs. For Sale by all Opticians and Photographic Dealers, rOSSTP. e = =t u Amateurs. PATENTED. THE BIOKAM PROJECTOR, For Prajenting Reversing and Enlarging, fitted with One YOICTLANDER Wide Angle “LENS and adapted to screw into Lens Flange of ANY EXISTING LANTERN. Finished in Polished Mahogany. Size 2 x PRICE £4 4s. Positive and Negative Films, perforated (length 25 ft.), price 3s. 6d. each. Biokam Film Subjects (length 25 ft.) price 10s. each. Send for Handsome Illustrated Catalogue. THE WARWICK TRADING COMPANY, LIMITED, . 4 & 5. Warwick Court, Hieh Holborn, London, WwW. Cc. Special Series of Students’ Celescopes, From 44 in. to 2} in. apertures, with first quality Object Glasses and Fittings, at moderate prices. High-Class Photographic Lenses, with Iris or List of other Photographic Lenses Free. Diaphragms. Ilustrated Catalogue ot Telescopes, Microscopes, &c., &c. ,forstamp Highest Class Micro- -Objectives, also made on premises, at Closest Prices. W. WRAY, “°"Nichexre. Lonpon, N. | MAGIG LANTERNS. No Smell. No Smoke. No Broken Glasses. Grand. . The Marvellous. . . Results. . . Pamphengos. Reduced from £6 6s. lo £4 4s. MARVELLOUS PAMPHENGOS, —The finest extant; equals Limelight; stood the test agains Over 3,000 sold—supplied to the Government and Particulars free. GILCHRIST SCIENCE LANTERN.—Oxyhydrogen Microscopes, Polariscopes, &c. The Cinematograph for Living Pictures. Mr. Hughes's Grandly Illustrated Catalogue. over 160 Or! Wood Engravings. Price, 6d.: Postage, 3d. Cheapest, B Most Reliable Outfits in the world. THE ART OF PROJECTION, AND COMPLETE MAGIC LANTE RN MANUAL, by an Expert. Over roo fine Illus on ri wrinkles. How to use Oil, Lin scopic and Polarising Lanterns, bound in cloth, 3s. 6d. ; Postage, 5d W.C. HUGHES, Patentee and Specialist, BREWSTER HOUSE, MORTIMER ROAD, KINGSLAND, LONDON, N. Seconp-Hanp La ANTERNS AND SLIDES BARGAINS. ILLUSTR EDVEISTS: 4 50 Beautifully Goiouced Slides on een for 3s. ail imitations School Boards. vi SCIENCE-GOS STP. MICROSCOPICAL. For the benefit of aatezws who find difficulty in obtain- ing good objects at a moderate rate, I offer first-class slides, including insects, rare crystals, foraminifera, &c., at cost price (3d. each). Material, lists, and information free. Dealers 7zo¢ supplied. Frank P. Smith, 15, Cloudesley Place, Islington, London, N. STEVENS’ AUCTION ROOMS. SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS. Friday, June 30th.— Re Nasmyth, the eminent Engineer and Inventor of the Steam Hammer, a large quantity of Instruments * and Apparatus removed from Hammerfeld. Tuesday, July 4th.—Rare Relics from Benin: War Trophies from Omdurman and tashoda ; Nelson Relic; Kin rg Third’s Dressing Gown ; Arms and Armour ; an E J Musical Instrument made out of a Man's Head ; War Medals and Decorations ; and other Curios. Tuesday, July 18th.—tThe Collection of Exotic Lepidoptera formed by the Jate W. Hawke, Esq. ; a fine Insect Cabinet, &c. Xe, Wednesday, July 19th.—A valuable Collection of Birds’ Eggs, including a fine example of the Great Auk. Every Friday throughout the Year.—Scientific and Optical Instruments, Photographic Apparatus, and Miscellaneous Property of every description. Auction Rooms & Offices 38,KING ST., COVENT GARDEN. Goods Received at any Time and Included in the Sales. MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. THE LABORATORY, PLYMOUTH. The following Animals can always be supplied either living or preserved by the best methods :— Sycon ; Clava, Obelia, Sertularia ; Actinia, Tealia, Caryophyllia, Alcycnium ; Hormiphoria (preserved); Leptoplana; Lineus, Amphiporus; Nereis Aphrodite, Arenicola, Lanice, Terebella; Lepas, Balanus, Gammarus, Ligia, M Nebalia, Carcinus ¢ Patella, Buccinum, Eledone, Pecten : Bug sia, Perdicellina Holothuria, Asterias, Echinus ; Ascidia, Salpa (preserved), Scyllium, Raia, etc., etc. For Prices and more detailed Lists apply to The Directcr, Biological Laboratory, Plymouth, BiRKBECK BANK SOUTHAMPTON BUILDINGS, CHANCERY LANE, W.C. TWO-AND-A-HALF per Cent. INTERES? allowed on Deposits, repayable ondemand. YT WO per Cent.on CURRENT ACCOUNTS on the minimum monthly balances, when not drawn below £100. STOCKS and SHARES purchased and sold. SAVINGS DEPARTMENT. For the encouragement of Thrift the Bank receives small sums on deposit, and allows Interest monthly on each completed £1. BIRKBECK BUILDING SOCIETY. How to PURCHASE A HOUSE for Two Guineas per Month. BIRKBECK FREEHOLD LAND SOCIETY. How to Purchase a PLOT Ot LAND for 5s. per Month. The BIRKBECK ALMANACK, with full narviculars, post free. ESTABLISHED 1851. FRANCIS RAVENSCROFT, 4Alanager. THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S GARDENS, Regent’s Park. Are OPEN DAILY (except Sundays), from 9 a.m. till Sunset, Admission 1s. ; on Mondays, 6¢. ; Children, 6a. Amongst the recent additions are three Thon Cubs, presented by Cc. A Osborne, Esq., and two Ivory Gulls from Spitzbergen. SCIENCE-GOSSIP. Scale of Advertisements. Inch in Column a ao ex0) 7 Eighth of Page.. 016 Quarter-page, or Halfcolumn 1 10 Half-page, or One Column .. 215 Whole Page .. a we 5 B Back Page Ds; Bry xy 6 6 Positions by Arrangement. All Advertisements to be sent to ScteNce-Gossip Office, 110, Strand, London, W.C., on or previous to the 19th of each month. Bee Special quotations for a series of insertions, any size space, matter changeable, on application. COOO000 } of Animal Monthly, Price 2d. The Cheapest Natural History Magazine. Mailed free to any _part of the Wi orld, per annum 2/6, A specimen Copy will be sent by JoHN Bare, Sons, and Danietsson, Lrp., 85-89, Great Titchfield Street, W., on receipt of 1d. stamp for postage. NATURE NOTES; Sor, soos Edited by G. S. Boutcer, F.L.S., F.G.S., Professor of Botany and Geology, City of ‘London’ College. NATURE NOTES is intended to. be a record of progress progress in the love of Nature, in the knowledge of natural objects, and in the war to be waged in defence of the beauties of Nature against their more or less avowed exterminators. The object of the Selborne Society is to unite lovers of Nature for common study and the defence of .Natural Objects (Birds, Plants, beautiful Landscapes, &c.) against the destruction by which they are so constantly menaced. The 7zinzmz2072 Annual Subscription (which entitles subscribers to a Monthly copy of the Society's Magazine) All particulars as to Membership may be obtained from the SECRETARY OF THE SELBORNE SOCIETY, 20, Hanover Square, W. JOHN BALE, SONS, & DANIELSSON, Ltd., 83—89. Great Titchfield Street, London, W Now Ready. No. 13. Priceds. THE SCIENTIFIC ROLL. Climate: Baric Condition. To be completed in 16 Numbers. ConpucTEp By ALEXANDER RAMSAY. Prospectuses and Subscription Forms free by post on applica- tion to the Publishers. A few of Nos. 1 to r2 still in print, price rs. each. The Geological Time Papers and Charts. No.1. The “R” Geological Time Scale, price rd. Nos. 0 to 3 Charts, 3d. each. Post tree, rd. extra. Now Ready. London: O’DRISCOLL, LENNOX & CO., Printers and Publishers, 10 & 12, Elephant Road, Elephant & Castle. LOUIS’S MICROSCOPICAL OBJECTS. 24 Series, U eu tedl ae Gite? Deen 12 tubes in each Series, 4s. per Series. 5 Series of 24 Foraminiferous Sands at 2s, each, 5 Series of 24 Microfungi at 2s. each. 7 Series of 24 Sections of Woods, each. 18 Spicules of Gorgonia, 2s. 18 Spicules of Spong . 18 objects from Echinodermata, 2s. 18 Zoophy . 18Sections of Horns, Hoofs, etc., 2s. 24 Hairs series). 24 Scales and Skins of Reptiles and Fishes. 5 Series of 24 Miscellaneous Non-botanical Objects, 2s. each. CLEANED UNMOUNTED MISCELLANEOUS NON- BOTANICAL. DIATOMS. tes lv.—24 Objects, 2s. Series xxit.—4s. fer 12,tubes. | | ines (Barbadoes). Terpsinée musica. J Aulacodiscus africanus. Foraminifera (Haiti). Isthmia enervis. Tukuro (Japan). Hopkinton (N. H. U.S.A.) Spicules Desmacidon fruticosa. Fragilaria capucina. | *Spines of Echinus brevi- Redondo beach (Cala.). spinosa. Etc., ete. Wing of Panorpa vulgaris. Etc., etc: W. WEST, 26, Woodville Terrace, BRADFORD. Send Stamp for List. TRILOBITES From the Upper Silurian of Dudley. Phacops caudatus, rs. 6d. to rss. | Phacops Downingia. rs. 6d. to 5s. Acidaspis coronata, 2s. to Enerinurus variolaris; 1s. 6d. to Calymene Blumenbachii, 5s. to gs. 6d. 12s. 6d. Homolonotus, 3s. 6d. to 7s. A few Upper Silurian Crinoids, Corals and Brachiopods. Collections to Illustrate Geology and Physiography. Catalogues Post Free. THOMAS .D. RUSSELL, Mineralogist, 78, Newgate Street, London, E.C. BORD’S PIANOS 95 Per Cent. Discount for Cash, or 148. 6d. Pet Month (Second-Hand, 103. 6d. Per Month). on the Three Years’ Hire em. Illusivatel Lists free, of CHAS. STYLES & Co., a 1 40 and 42, Southampton Row, London, W.C. Pianos Exchanged. SN i rir y CONDUCTED BY F. SHILLINGTON SCALES, F.R.M.S. SuGGEsTeD List oF PoNDs.—A_ correspondent writes to us suggesting that considering the almost universal interest taken by microscopists in pond life, it would be useful if a list of productive ponds and the specimens likely to be found there, were to be published in these columns, and also that suggestions might be given monthly for the maintaining of aquaria. We shall be glad to carry out this proposal, if possible, and hope some of our readers will write, giving their brother workers the benefit of their knowledge and experience in this respect. We are now in the middle of summer, when pond-hunters are busiest, and letters on the subject should reach us promptly if they are to be of service. The readers of ScrENCE-Goss1P have always been ready to help each other, they have here an excellent opportunity. In the meantime we may call attention to a well-known little book by Mr. Henry Scherren, entitled ‘* Ponds and Rock Pools,” as well as to the older volume by Mr. H. J. Slack on the ‘‘ Marvels of Pond Life.” Boththese little books have merit in being inexpensive, as well as practical. CAs. BAKER’s New CaraLoGcur.—Mr. Chas. Baker has sent us his new and enlarged catalogue which is a great improvement on former issues. Mr. Baker lists and illustrates not only his own well-known microscopes, but those of Zeiss, Leitz, and Reichert. A great many slides are included, but the prices of these are, we think, in most cases, somewhat high. Attention has been called in a former issue of this journal, to this firm’s slide-lending department. A noticeable feature is the exceptionally complete series of stains and reagents prepared by the most scientific methods. There is a special catalogue of the necessary apparatus for the study of the effects of malaria upon the blood, bacteriological outfits, ete. The preface states that microscopes are included that are suitable for engineering, brewing, baking, paper- making, and other industries, but the suggestion that a dissecting microscope, and ‘‘if anything more than this be required” a binocular microscope, fulfils the requirements of the scientific papermaker, scarcely shows an intimate knowledge of the requirements of that particular branch of manufacture. CIRCUIT STAGE “VAN HEURCK” MicRoscorE.— Messrs. Watson and Sons have recently put upon the market a modification of their well-known ‘‘ Van Heurck” microscope, which, by allowing more room between the stage and the body, gives complete rotation to the former. This is a step in the right direction. It has always appeared ridiculous that costly and elaborate microscopes of this sort should be, as we have seen them, sent out with mechanical Stage, centering adjustments, graduated divisions for rotation, and even rack and pinion for thesame purpose, yet incapable of rotation for more than, say, 270 deg., through the screw heads of the mechanical stage fouling the body of the instrument. We hope other makers of similar instruments will follow so good an example. SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 57 OIL IMMERSION CONDENSER.-—Messrs. Watson and Sons, of High Holborn, have sent for our inspec- tion one of their new ** Parachromatic Oil Immersion Condensers.” We have examined this critically, and are able to speak in the highest terms of its perform- ance. Our readers will be aware that for an objective to work at its best the aperture of the condenser should approximate to that of the objective. Though it is not every objective that will stand so large a cone of light, the best of our immersion lenses need a larger aperture of illumination than the 170 deg. or so, that can nominally be passed through them with an ordinary dry achromatic condenser. The to- tal aperture of this condenser is_ 1.35 N.A., and its aplanatic aper- tureis between 1.25 and 1,3 N.A. The clear aperture of the back lens is 6/10 inch, and the power of the condenser is equivalent to an objective of } inch focus. It works through a a 1'75 Lone millimetres thick, and the Oi Immersion makers state that to [get the CONDENSER. best results the lamp should not be less than § inches, or more than 7 inches from the back of the lens. With this condenser and a fine achromatic immersion objective of similar aperture, we have obtained results that closely rival the apochromatics. We think it will, therefore, soon be looked upon as an essential part of the outfit of the student of bacteria, the diatomist and others. The price is so moderate as to bring it within the reach of most microscopists. The optical portion only, with universal objective thread, as illustrated, costs £5, whilst the whole mounted with iris diaphragm, graduated to show aperture in use, stops, and revolving carrier is £6 10s. MIcCROPHOTOGRAPHY WiTH PorTRAIT LENs.—I enclose a photograph of a grain of barley, taken with the object of making a lantern slide, showing the growth of the roots in malting. It is an instance of what can be done in very low power photomicro- graphy with a portrait lens, and ordinary half-plate camera. The lens used was a Dallmeyer patent Stereo, working at f. 4, but I believe any good portrait lens would have been equally efficient. The barley was stained with methyl-green in order to get rid of the diffi- culty of taking a pale yellow ob- ject successfully on a white ground and fixed on a iece of opal glass an Pp pals , plate with the em- then photo- same way that an Ilford opal ulsion cleaned off graphed in the engraving would be copied. The <{~ grain of barley was illuminated on one side with an acetylene + ! lamp, and on the other with the gaslight of the room, the object being to get a slight shadow on one side, so as to give an effect of perspective to the picture. The plate used wasa Lumiere yellow green orthochroma- tic, and the exposure was twenty minutes. It is often desirable to take photographs and make lantern slides of objects requiring only a very low magnification, and it may interest your readers to know that in this way such photographs can be successfully obtained. The magnification is about 23 times.—A’. C. Nelson, 19, Roker Terrace, Sunderland. New Microscope TROUGH.—The vexed question, of keeping fairly large aquatic objects alive under the microscope, for an indefinite period, has yet to be solved. Perhaps the following suggestion will lead 58 SCIENCE-GOSSIP. others to perfection. A rectangular trough (fig. 1 a) 10 cm. long, 7°5 cm. wide, 3 cm. deep, inside measurements, is fitted with a thin patent plate glass bottom, such as is used for the best micro slides. This trough carries a frame (C) sliding transversely across its top in dovetails. . This frame carries a smaller frame (D) sliding on it longitudinally, also in dovetails. The small frame has a circular aperture 4°5 cm. in diameter. In this aperture a cylinder (E) is fitted, sliding vertically, long enough when pushed down to barely touch the glass bottom of the trough. The bottom of this cylinder is fitted flush, with thin glass 4 cm. in diameter, the same as used for micro cover-glass. The joints to be waterproof. From this description it is evident the glass bottom cylinder, by means of the rectangular sliding frames, can be adjusted over any portion of the trough excepting the corners. The metal work must be non-corrosive with saltwater or freshwater, and the cement should not give off any oxide or other injurious matter. In use, supposing we have a fixed hydroid for examination, the trough being half filled with water, a loop of white silk is passed around the polypary of the hydroid, or better, to the substance to which it is attached. The free ends of the silk are each wound round a narrow strip of plate glass as long as the width of the trough. The glass‘strips are then sunk one at each end of the trough, thus— Kaus iaoeg Fig 2 This retains the object in any desired position, the centre of the trough, of course, being best. The cylinder is then centered over the slide, and carefully pushed down with a twisting motion until it touches the object. The trough is then placed on the stage of the microscope, which must, of course, be horizontal with the surface of the table, and its surface cleared of any upstanding screws, etc. Rack down the objective, say, a I inch, into the tube of the cylinder, and focus NAUK renal aa the object. Focus the sub-stage apparatus, and the object will be seen to perfection. It is convenient to have a tube 3 cm. long for the nose-piece. This is. screwed to the nose-piece with the objective at the free end. This gives the objective more ‘‘ play” over the surface of the bottom of the cylinder than it would have if the nose-piece of microscope were in the cylinder. This tube being 3 cm. long, the correction. of the objective can be compensated by shortening the draw- tube 3. cm. Of course, this tube is of no use for. the binocular. It is not advisable to use a higher power than 4 inch or +} inch, for fear of breaking the bottom of the cylinder. It is con- venient to have three or more troughs to the one frame and cylinder. When the object is not under examination it is unnecessary to keep the cylinder over; it is there- fore available for the other troughs. Objects may be kept in these troughs, always ready for examination, for weeks. It is well to change the water, night and morning, by means of a syphon system, the flow in and out being simultaneous. The sketch (fig. 3) explains the system. For syphons, very fine bore glass-tubing may be used. This can be easily bent in any shape over a gas cooking stove, or spirit lamp with blow pipe. Always let the lower jar be the larger of the two, to prevent a flood. The advantages of this trough are, (1) The stratum of water can be varied at will, to suit: the’ object and the objective. (2) The fine glass and thin stratum of water produce little aberration in comparison with the time-honoured zodphyte trough of Mr. Lister, of 1834. (3) The object is brought within reach of the sub- stage condenser. (4) Objects of fair size will live in the troughs, the large surface of water exposed to the air absorbing sufficient oxygen. It is not of vital importance to change the water daily as before: recommended. (5) It does not leak. The dis- advantages are, microscope must be used vertically. The apparatus is necessarily not particularly neat for the microscope stage, and not so easy to handle as. the old Lister trough, but that, for accurate observation, is out of the question in 1899. Messrs. W. Watson and Sons, of London, are the makers of this. accessory. —G. JMWest, 128, Kentish Town Road, London, N.VW. MICROSCOPY FOR BEGINNERS. By F. Suitiincron Scares, F.R.M.S. In few things is a little initial advice and help more valuable, than when one is first taking up the use of an instrument like the microscope. We are constantly meeting those who are desirous of purchasing a microscope, and then learning how to use it; but who feel themselves bewildered at the very outset by the multiplicity of stands and accessories advertised by the various English and Continental makers. There are several excellent manuals to be obtained on the subject, but the keen competition of the present day makes it impossible for any book to keep up’ to date with the latest stands, etc. This especially applies to those less expensive and most recent s ie with which we shall mainly concern ourselves. At the outset, as the title of these papers plainly states, we shall disclaim any idea of teaching more experienced workers. Our aim is simply to indicate to the beginner, who, with much enthusiasm, little or no knowledge, and perhaps not too well lined a purse, proposes to take up study with the microscope. We shall indicate how he may to most adyantage spend his money on the necessary outfit; what in fact are the essential requirements that he must look for in his instrument, whoever is the maker. Further, we shall explain what accessory apparatus will be required in addition. We shall then give a few practical hints on elementary management, on mounting, etc. The cost of everything will be kept as low as possible, but we shall not concern ourselves with an outfit suitable only for whiling away a pleasant hour or two, for ‘looking at pictures” in fact. Instead we hope to so advise the beginner, that afterwards, when he has gained experience for himself, he may feel that what he has bought is capable of showing him not only the infinitely little in Nature, but of enabling, if he so desires, to do real and serious work in medicine, in zoology, in botany, or in any other of the countless ways in which the modern microscope has become a necessity. Let us start by enumerating the essential points that we shall require in our modern microscope. There are practically two classes of stands—that with the pillar and horse-shoe, or equivalent form of foot, and that with the later tripod. The advantage of the former is that it is generally a little cheaper, and the sub-stage apparatus is more con- veniently manipulated when the microscope is used in an upright position, as often happens to zoological and medical workers. In any other than the upright position, it is much less steady than the tripod form. For horizontal work, especially for micro-photography, it is quite top-heavy. The importance of this point can only be fully appreciated and verified by the practical worker. The result is that the tripod foot is daily coming more into favour, and we unhesi- tatingly advise it. The stand should of course be capable of inclination. There must be a thoroughly reliable fine adjustment for focussing high powers. Tlere we would most strongly warn the intending purchaser against the kind of fine adjustment that moves the Nosepiece at the foot of the tube. Most of the stands seen in provincial, and even in many London shops, have this kind of adjustment, but it is to be avoided, as sooner or later it will give SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 59 its owner trouble. We will allude to more satisfactory forms, as we mention individual stands. The coarse adjustment may be by either rack and pinion, the best makers fit now a dfagonal rack that gives most soft and steady motion, without back- lash, or it may be an ordinary sliding adjustment only. Of course the former is preferable for anything but rough work. The reader will find the sliding adjustment perfectly satisfactory as far as it goes, and it often saves about 25 per cent. on the cost of the stand. The screw for the objectives at the bottom of the tube should be what is called the ‘* Society” size. In other words the size adopted and standardised by the Royal Microscopical Society, which provides the makers with the necessary templates. Nearly all good English objectives are now made to this size, and it has been adopted by best Continental makers. The eyepieces unfortunately are less uniform in size, and, until recently, every maker had a size of his own. The Royal Microscopical Society recommends two standard sizes, the English size 1°35 inch, and the Continental size ‘92 (about }4) inch. Most students’ stands are made for the latter or some approximate size, which we regret, as the larger eyepiece has several advantages. The mere diameter of the eyepiece does not, however, affect the magnification. The Continental length of the tube is about 6 inches (say 160 millimetres), and the English length of tube is 10 inches (say 250 millimetres); this last being taken as the normal visual distance. We have no space for an explanation of the optical theory of the compound microscope, but we may here state that the aerial image of the object magnified by the objective is itself magnified by the eyepiece or ocular. The magnifying power of the individual ocular remains constant—that of the aerial image given by the indi- vidual objective depends upon the distance between objective and ocular. Therefore an objective and ocular used in a tube 6 inches long will give only y'5 of the magnifying power of the same objective and ocular in a 10-inch tube. We will allude to the practical bearings of this when we deal with objec- tives. It suffices to say here, that objectives made, or, as it is technically called, ‘* corrected” for the one tube length, cannot be used for the highest class of critical work with the other tube length; though low powers, with low eyepieces bear the alteration fairly well. Itis in consequence a great advantage to have a dvaw-tube that lengthens from 6 to 10 inches, so that objectives corrected for either length may be used on the same microscope. This draw-tube has also other uses that will be alluded to later. It is a szve qua non, when selecting a new instrument. The stage should be large and rigid. The aperture should be of sufficient size to permit of the finger being inserted under the slide to enable one to ‘‘ feel one’s distance,” when focussing high powers. One or two makers cut out the front of the aperture so as to make a horse-shoe opening. For use without the condenser this has some advantages. A mechanical stage is a convenience, but is not necessary for our purpose and is moreover expensive. It can often be added later. The mirror should have two faces, a plane anda concave one. The plane face should be ** parallel worked” as it gives a truer reflection of the light. The whole should swing in a gymbal and slide up or down ona tail rod. We prefer that the latter should be circular and itself swing on a pivot, just beneath the stage. (To be continued.) i 60 SCIEN CE-GOS STP: _ ASTRONOMY, CONDUCTED BY F. C. DENNETT. Position at Noon. 1899 «Rises. Sets. Dec. July A.2. him Ne Sun 6 =. 3-521a.m. .. 8/17 p.m. -- 22.42 16... 4.4 sa fhe} 21.22 26 .. 4.16 eee 7850) + 19.27 Rises Souths Age at Noon. July Av. he. a h. m1. Moon 6 .. 2.26a.m. .. 10.57 a.m. .. 7.22 p.m. 28 5 40 16 .. 1.36p.m. .. 6.19 p.m. .. 10.53 p.m. 8 15 29 26 .. g.1t .. 2.55 a.m... 9.16 a.m. 18 15 29 Position at Noon. Souths Semi- R.A. Dec. July hem. Diameter h.nz. OW WRB) 32 (Son seeypibans aa Zh oA ERGY de HO oo OG} oo SPQ. 60. OA AS so - oA) 50 EA? oo TOG Venus > Od5 WOW on Bei 5-37 16 .. 10.54 en? 6.30 AG a5 Ley] ae Bl”? 7-23 Mars so oa She )isbiie co BY 11.15 - Jupiter SoG a5 OiG) oe 13.57. - Saturn LOM nose r Re 17-9 Uranus 30) Sy 8.31 go wtey! 16.9 Neptune ..16 .. 10.16a.m... 12” 5-41 Moon’s PHASES. him. hit. New .. July 7 .. 831p.m. rst Qr... July 15.. 11.59 p.m. LOR, a py PR 5 OF HM BAVA co) oy A)eo CHA ip In apogee July roth, at 4 p.m., distant 252,400 miles; and in perigee on 23rd, at noon, distant 222,200 miles. CONJUNCTIONS OF PLANETS WITH THE Moon. oll’, July 6 Se Venus +. jam. .. planetz.o: S. +, 10 Ete Mercuryt -. 3am. .. » 452 N. 13 oe Marst+ 50 Qebinb ‘bo oy bets) UNIS 5) oe Jupiter® oo Ops on om . Gee Ilo 20 5 Saturnt eeezia-ms 2.26 N. > Daylight. + Below English horizon. THE SUN usually has spots upon it, but generally small]. The sun is in apogee at 9 a.m. on July 4th. MERCURY is an evening star, reaching its greatest elongation, 26° 59 East, at II a.m. on 22nd. At the beginning of the month it sets th. 15m. after the sun, but the interval gradually decreases to 35 minutes at the end of July. VENUS is a morning star all the month, rising a little more than an hour and a quarter before the sun. Its disc is gradually decreasing in size. At Io p.m. on July 6th, it is in conjunction with, and only 46! to the North of Neptune, but is then below our horizon. MARs is now very small and uninteresting. He must be looked for as soon as he appears out “of the twilight. JurrreR may also be observed as soon as twilight will penmit. SATURN with his widely open ring, should be looked for a little later, advantage being taken of every steady evening. The Cassini division of the rings may be seen with comparatively small apertures. URANUS may be observed as soon as it is dark enough to be seen. NEPTUNE is a morning star, but too near the sun for observation. METEORS may be specially expected about July 11th, 20—21Ist, and 25—3o0th. Swirt’s Comer is now fast travelling from us and decreasing in brightness. It had a nucleus on June 3rd, not exceeding 93 magnitude, but on June 4th it had increased in brilliance to 6 magnitude. TEMPEL’s CoMET (1873 II.) has been recovered by Perrine of the Lick observatory. It was due to pass perihelion on June 18th. It was faint at the time of discovery. HoimMeEs’ Comer (1892 III.) was recovered by Perrine at the Lick Observatory on June 11th, very hear its expected place. PRoressor F. L. O. WADsworTH has, according to “Science,” been appointed by the managers of the Pennsylvania University, to succeed Professor J. E. Keeler as director of The Allegheny Obser- vatory. A GREAT MODEL OF THE Moon, in relief, 19 feet in diameter, has been added during the past year to Field Columbian Museum, Chicago, through the generosity of Mr. L. W. Reese. It was prepared from the maps of Beer and Madler, and Schmidt. This model took five years to construct. Hitherto only sections had been accessible, and those at rare intervals. MINOR PLANETS.—Three of the recently announced discoveries, two by Professor Max Wolf, and the other by Dr. Palisa prove to be re-discoveries. The total number of 444 are now known. A New ALGOL VARIABLE, has been discovered in Cygnus by M. Ceraski of Moscow. It is situated in R.A. 20h. 2m. 24°5s., N. Dec. 45° 52°9'. Its normal magnitude is 86, and it decreases about two magnitudes. It was discovered on photographs taken from May to July, 1898. DouBLE STARS.—At the meeting of the British Astronomical Society on May 31st, Mr. E. A. Holmes read a paper on ‘‘A Year among Double Stars.” After referring to his own observations, he endeavoured to account for the apparently little interest taken by members of the Society in this class of objects, as shown by the fact that the Director, Mr. G. M. Seabrooke, had failed to get a successful section formed. Mr. Holmes thopght it was largely due to the pseudo-accuracy assumed when the distances were given to the second decimal place, and the position angle also running into decimals. In the ensuing discussion, the president, Mr. W. H. Maw, thought that no double star observer would care to bind himself to the accuracy of these figures ; but at the same time they served a useful purpose when getting the averages of observations. Mr. G. F. Chambers frankly con- fessed that he was glad this section was not successful, as he thought the more fully equipped, large observatories were better fitted for the work. He considered there was much to do, such as the observation of planets, comets, and meteors, that was more suitable for the members of the Association. ToraL EcLipsE OF THE SUN.—Mr. Maunder in the same meeting said that the individual cost of going next May to Spain, Portugal, or Algiers was expected to reach about £200r £21. He already had received 109 names of those who desired to participate in the observations. The American Government, if notice be given them, will not demand duty on instruments taken there to observe the eclipse. THE Sun’s SuRFACE.—I was unable to observe the Sun on May roth, 18th, 19th, 20th, and 22nd, can any of our readers inform me as to the presence of spots on either or all of these dates? Please address, F. C. Dennett, 60, Lenthall Road, Dalston, N.E. SCIENCE-GOS SIP. 61 CHAPTERS FOR YOUNG ASTRONOMERS. By Frank C. Denner. USE OF THE TELESCOPE, (Continued from p. 27). IN making observations of the moon, the position of the terminator should always be given. In other words it should be stated what objects are situated on the boundary, between brightness and shade. If it be desired to observe faint objects, whether nebulae, comets or minute points of light, do not, fora long time before the observation, expose the eye toany brilliant light. Professor W. K. Brooks, who has discovered so many comets, will never allow himself to look at a brilliant light, that he may not injure the sensitiveness of the retina. Sir. J. F. W. Herschel used to prepare his eye by remaining for a quarter of an hour in a totally dark room. Never get excited before an observation, as the eye is not then in fit condition to see delicate detail. In looking for faint objects, if they are not at once seen, direct the eye to the edge of the field of view; but keep the attention in the middle, where they are suspected to be, and very often success will result. This is called using averted, or oblique, vision. An hour or two after sunrise is usually the best time to observe the stm, before the atmosphere gets heated. If, however, the sun is an object of study. look at it, if possible, every two or three hours. Close double stars are often best seen on a still frosty evening with a slight fog. If the observer has an equatoreal with circles, an hour before sunset is a good time. An east wind often affects even double star observations, making the star dises triangular instead of round. The breaks between clouds are often better when looking for stars in daytime than an apparently clear sky. If telescopes of larger aperture than 6 inches are being employed, definition may often be improved by using a ‘stop ” to reduce the working diameter some- what, when the air is not good. © Such stops should be placed as near to the objective as possible. Reflectors should have a door in the tube just above the speculum, to permit of the insertion of stops, or for covering the mirror. If the air is unsteady early in the evening, do not give up; a little later there may be an improvement. In large towns the air generally improves after midnight. It is also often very transparent after rain has fallen. Early morning is a favourable time for observation. When not in use always keep the objectives covered to prevent dust from settling upon them; and in the case of Newtonians cover the small speculum as well. This should be done in the open air, as to bring the telescope into the wamner atmosphere of the house would cause ‘‘dewing.” If an objective is “‘dewed,” do not close it up in that state, but bring it into the warmth near, but not close to, a fire and the dew will soon disappear. Do not attempt to rub a silvered mirror when damped, or it will remove the film. When it is necessary to clean an objective first remove any particles of dust with a camel’s hair pencil, and then clean, aided by the breath, gently with a soft, even, chamois leather, or a soft silk handkerchief. When not in use the leather, or handkerchief, should be kept in a wide-mouthed stoppered bottle.- Tor cleaning the eyepiece lenses, after the dust has been removed, nothing is better, when aided by the breath, than a piece of clean blotting paper rolled to a point and scraped with a knife, For the lacquered brasswork anything more than a duster will only damage the lacquer, and spoil its good appearance. When lenses or eyepieces are to be screwed in, always give a back turn first and the threads drop in with a snap, then screw right away; otherwise delicate threads are often spoiled. An equatoreal with circles requires three adjust- ments to get it into proper position, after being approximately placed. First turn the telescope, whilst east of the hour circle, to a star nearly on the meridian, and take the declination reading of the circle. Next reverse the instrument to the west side of the hour circle, set it on the same star and again take the reading. Halve the difference between the two readings and alter the yernier to read the mean. These double readings should be taken three or four times, until, whether the telescope is east or west of the polar axis, the readings of the declination circle are identical. Secondly, turn the telescope to any star, whose declination is known, close to the meridian, and as near the zenithas possible. Read its declination from the circle. If this does not agree with its declination given in the *‘ Nautical Almanac” raise or depress the polar axis, until the readings tally, by means of the screw placed for that purpose. Thirdly, set the telescope on any known star about due east, and having an altitude of about 45°. Read its declination on the circle allowing for refraction, if accurate the polar axis of the instrument is truly in the meridian. If the north declination reads too great, the north end of the polar axis is too far east and ze versa. The whole instrument must be moved in azimuth until the readings are accurate. When these adjustments have been made, go over them all again for verification, after which the advantages of the equatoreal stand will be appreciated. A good maxim to follow is that ‘* every observation not intended as a mere relaxation, should be directed to ascertain some as yet unknown fact.” Do not go to the instrument prepossessed with the intention either to see, or not to see any given object, or the probability is, there will be hallucination. _ Forget- fulness of this is the cause of many errors. It is best to go to the telescope, see as much as it will show, make careful notes of what is seen, and afterwards compare observations with those of others. It is always well to wrap oneself up warmly, and to stand on a board whilst at work ; but very little notice need be taken of the common prejudice against “night air.” Itis a fact that astronomers, as a class, are long-lived. If it is desired to have an observatory, the cheapest, and for many reasons best, pattern to adopt, is the ‘**Berthon.” It was first described in the ‘* English Mechanic,” October 13th and 2oth, 1871, by the Rev. I. L. Berthon For reflectors however, if it is de- sired to use them to the greatest possible advantage, the better plan is to have a cover that can be lifted right off, or that will wheel away or rails. An excellent pillar to be used as a fixed stand for a telescope having a pillar and claw stand can be made thus :—Get a piece of iron drain piping 44 in. to 6} in. in diameter, and 9 ft. long. Sink the pipe 3 feet into the ground ; preferably into concrete, then fill it with dry sand, to prevent vibration. Have three holes drilled around the top end of the pipe, and have a plug of wood turned so as to fit into it, tightly. Screws through the holes, will hold the plug firmly in place. There is a large screw holding the claw to the pillar. Get a corresponding screw made to attach to the wood plug. The pillar will then screw off the claw foot, and on to the column at pleasure. A coat of paint or enamel, makes an effective finish to a cheap and useful erection. (To be continued.) 62 SCIENCE-GOS S/P. Way alt Cal Bs SS ice aw Bi ASS CONDUCTED BY EDWARD A. MARTIN, F.G.S. A WEALDEN Birp.—Mr. Neville Jones, a member of the London Geological Field Class, found a frag- ment of a bone ina sandstone of the Wealden Beds of Ansty Place, near Cuckfield, which has been identified by Prof. H. G. Seeley, F.R.S., F.G.S., as probably the distal end of the femur of a bird. He states that the external condyle is not only larger and deeper than the inner, but is more prolonged distally, this being perhaps the most distinctive avian character of the bone. © Colymbus is the only existing bird to which the fossil has any approximation, but the resemblance is distant, and not suggestive of near affinity. It is interesting that the Cretaceous birds show so marked an affinity with that type. Prof. Seeley’s paper on the subject will appear in the Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society, and is awaited with interest. RAISED BEACH AT BRIGHTON.—In connection with our recent notes on this subject, our readers will be interested to know that at the Geologists’ Association meeting at University College on June 2nd, a paper was read by Mr, F. Chapman, A.L.S., F.R.M.S., on ‘‘The Raised Beach and Rubble Drift at’ Aldrington, between Hove and Portslade-on-Sea, Sussex, with notes onthe Microzoa.” Since Mr. Johnson’s note appeared in SCIENCE- Gossip last month, I have paid another visit to the quarry mentioned by him, and brought away thence from the grey sand beneath the Chalk Breccia, or Coombe Rock, a lump of greyish granite, originally 8 inches long. At first sight it appears to be exactly similar to those fragments which I obtained from the raised beach on the east of Brighton some little time since. GEOLOGISTS’ ASSOCIATION FIELD MEETING. —On June 3rd,members visited Reigate under the direction of Miss M. C. Crosfield and the Rev. Ashington Bullen, F.C.S. A visit was paid to Mr. Taylor’s Colley Hill Quarry in the Upper Greensand. The pit givesa fine section, with numerous little faults on the east side of the quarry. Here, too, is the “Holocene” deposit, recently described by Mr. Bullen, affording Bzlémus montanus and Helix arbustorum. A climb was made to the top of the hill to inspect a large block of cemented flints, weighing over a ton, lying in the red clay with flints. --A junction of the Gault and Lower Greensand was examined in the Croydon Road, also in Bell Street. The Gault is exposed in the wine cellars in Bell Street. FOLKESTONE Fossits.—Amongst fossil collectors to whom some of our best-known geologists have been indebted for specimens, is the veteran John Griffiths, who is still as enthusiastic in his pursuits as advancing years will allow. He would be glad to supply geological specimens to any of our readers who may communicate with him. His address is 4, Batley Cottages, Folkestone. There are exceptional oppor- tunities at present in the Folkestone district in consequence of the several new colliery works in progress. A GREAT auk’s egg will be offered at Mr. Stevens’ Auction Rooms, Covent Garden, on July roth. WE have received from Messrs. Dulau and Co., Soho Square, London, two catalogues, one devoted to books and papers on British Botany and the other to those on Astronomy and Meteorology. THE Midland Malacological Society, at a recent meeting held in Mason University College, Birming- ham, elected Dr. Henry Fischer of Paris, and Pro- fessor Pilsbry of Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.A. as honorary members of the Society. ; THE Rey. Frederick Smith has favoured us with a reprint from the Proceedings of the Philosophical Society of Glasgow, of his paper entitled ‘‘ Some In- vestigations into Palaoelithie Remains in Scotland.” It is illustrated with four plates and some diagrams. WE have received from Professor W. W. Watts, the Secretary of the Committee on Photographs of Geological Interest in the United Kingdom, appointed by the Bristol Association for the Advancement of Science, its Ninth Annual Report, submitted at the Bristol Meeting in 1898. Messrs. WILLIAMS AND NorGaTe, the London publishers, are acting as agents for a novel illustrated monthly journal, to be devoted to photography, and published in four languages, namely, English, French, German and Dutch. The editorial offices will be 27, Marnixkade, Amsterdam. It promises to be of con- siderable literary and artistic importance. DuRING the year previous to the Bristol meeting the Committee on Photographs of Geological Interest received 250 new photographs, bringing the total number in the collection, to 2,001. Among them are some of exceptional interest including a set from Arran, Cumbrae, Ailsa Craig, and the Fifeshire volcanic necks, by Mr. A. S. Reid; raised beaches in Devon by Miss Partridge, and others. THE promise of Mr. Balfour on behalf of the Government, to give substantial aid to the proposed British Antarctic Expedition, is most satisfactory. The very important deputations from the Royal Society and the Royal Geographical Society, that discussed the matter with the first Lord of the Treasury on the 22nd of June, could hardly fail to impress the Government of the necessity of such an expedition. Had it not been for private munificence, showing how earnest is the desire ; we doubt that the national funds would have been so readily forthcoming ; THERE must be many photogiaphers with some knowledge of Geology, who can assist the Committee on Photographs of Geological Interest. Copies of Photo- graphs should be sent unmounted to Professor W. W. Watts, Mason University College, Birmingham, The districts from which these are still most required are, N. and S. Wales, The Yorkshire Dales and Moors, The Malverns, around Oxford and Cambridge, Corn- wall, The Southern Uplands, The Central Valley of Scotland, and Central and Souther Ireland. On application to Professor Watts gratuitous instructions may be received by those desiring to help in this work. ere le os 7 ‘ ————— ee SCIENCE-GOS SIP. 63 ve rel ~ . CORRESPONDENCE. Ar the suggestion of several cyrrespondents we open with this volume a department in which our readers may address the Editor in letter form, We have pleasure in inviting any who desire to raise discussions on scientific subjects, to address their letters to the Editor, at 110, Strand, London, W.C, Our only restriction will be, in case the correspondence exceeds the bounds of courtesy; which we trust is a matter of great improbability. These letters may be anonymous. In that case they must be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer, not for publication, but as an carnest of good faith. The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions of the correspondents.— 4d. S.-C. Tue LaAssett Two-Foor Tevescorr. To the Editor of SCTENCE-GOSS/P. Sik, —In Greenwich Park, outside the Observatory, there is lying the tube of this noble instrument, one I believe, that has stamped itself on the annals of astronomy. With it, is also the pier which used to carry the telescope. I suppose its speculum is pre- served in the adjoining buildings. William Lassell, who was born in 1799, and died in 1880, did much important work with this instrument. He it was, who in 1846, within 17 days after the discovery of the planet Neptune, detected from Liverpool its one known satellite, having the rare motion of revolving round its primary from East to Vest, contrary to the usual motions of the solar system. Liassell also con- ducted some observations at Malta. My object in addressing you is to suggest that the telescope shouid be re-erected in Some place within the boundary of Greenwich Park, so as to be available at a small charge for public use, or at least for amateur astronomers. No great expense of establishment is necessary for the installation, which would doubtless prove a valu- able educator of the people, and in time, popularize the study ofastronomy. With regard to maintenance, the salary of an intelligent demonstrator should be recouped by the admission fees from the public, up to a certain hour, with extra fees for amateur astron- omers during the rest of the night. This would be an inestimable boon to the latter class, as no such special opportunity now exists. May I commend this suggestion to the Astronomer Royal through your columns, or if such is not within his means, to some public-spirited person or body, who would with his permission carry out this proposal. At present the telescope is useless, whereas if thus employed it would continue the work of one of England’s broadest-minded men, to whose memory it would be a lasting monument. Iam Sir, Yours, ete., FRANK C. DENNETT. 60, Lenthall Road, London. i WANTED.—A SCIENCE CENSOR. To the Editor of SCIENCE-GOSS/?. Sik,—Cannot something be done to check the continual and puerile scientific inaccuracy one meets with in so many daily and other newspapers? This applies especially to those which are sold at a low price, and therefore have acirculation among a large class, already imperfectly educated. One hears that some of these papers pride themselves upon the fact of their being written and edited by ‘‘young men.” The results, from a scientific point of view at least, are certainly such as would lead one to believe that this is the case. The general ignorance is so great among most of these writers, that few of them even know the value of the words ‘‘variety” and ‘‘species,” as they are constantly interchanging them in a manner which is quite comic. Again, it is not uncommon to find special headlines and extravagant writing to announce some “* discovery”’ which has been known for long past to those who are familiar with the respective subjects. I observe that you not in- frequently give examples in your columns of scientific absurdities which have been seriously printed in respectable journals. I possess an _ interesting collection of such comicalities, but a perusal makes one feel sad, and suggests the necessity for the Institute of Journalists to take this matter in hand. I have only referred to newspapers, but the same inaccuracy is equally glaring in many weekly and monthly magazines. HATER OF INACCURACY. EXCHANGE CLUBs. To the Editor of SCITENCE-GOSS/P. Stk, —I have latterly taken much interest in our land and freshwater shells and have consequently a number of duplicates. These I have offered through your exchange column and certainly have had many replies. It would be far more satisfactory if one could see a number of duplicates of other collectors, so as to make choice of what one needs. This plan is successfully carried out by lepidopterists, and botanists, the latter for both flowering plants and mosses. Why can we not have an Exchange Club for Shells? I feel sure if one was started, with circulating baskets as conducted by the entomologists, it would get con- siderable support, especially in the winter season. I am, Sir, Yours etc., MALACOLOGIST. SCIENCE APPOINTMENTS. 70 the Editor of SCTENCE-GOSS/P. S1k,—Has it ever occurred to you and your readers that considering the large number of persons who are now educated in Science, many of whom take their degrees as B.Sc. or D.Sc., how comparatively few are the available remunerative appointments through which they can afterwards earn money for the necess- ities of life. : When we enumerate the appointments in the national and other museums, the limited number of professorships in science in our Universities and other colleges, one or two places each with some of the County Councils and large commercial industries, we exhaust the list for Natural Science, which total is covered by three figures, pretty low down. Most persons who have studied Science with a view to making it a profession have naturally come in con- tact with others like themselves out of work. The result of absence of appointments is that with the exception of those lucky or clever people, who have secured the plums, life resolves itself for them, into a long and anxious struggle. The point I would venture to raise is, the question, whether young men and women should be encouraged, save in brilliant instances, to take up Natural Science as a living in England. Of course it is desirable that Science should be taught, even more widely than at present, but from the point of view of general educa- tion only. I should be glad if you could open your columns to a discussion on the subject, as it seriously affects the welfare and aspirations of many of your readers. I an, Sir, etc., —, B.Sc. 64 NOTICES OF SOCIETIES. Ordinary meetings are marked +, excursions * ; names o7 pe rsons following excursions are of Conductors. +4 Lantern Lllustrations. y Gero.ocists’ Association OF LONDON. Excv7stons. July 1.—*Medway Valley. G. E, Dibley, FG and A. E. Salter, B.Sc., F.G:S. a 15.—*Guildford. ch 22.—Cycling Excursion. Aug. 3-9.+*Derbyshire: Peak Forest—Headquarters at Matlock Bath. One night at Castleton. H.. Arnold Benifose, M.A., F.G.S., Dr. Wheel- ton Hind, F.G.S., and Nf Shipman, EGS: Frederick Meeson, Chairman, Ez reurstons Committee, 29, Thurloe Place, South Kensington, S.W. “NortTH Lonpon Naturar History Society. July 6.—t+‘‘ The District round Deal.” L. J. Tremayne. of 8.— Broxbourne. R. W. Robbins. 8 15.—*Tring Zoological Museum. W. H. Smithy ~~ 0 20.—+‘* The Balance gf Nature in relation to, Man.” M. Culpin. SELBORNE SOCIETY—CROYDON AND NORWOOD BRANCH. July 15.—*Reigate Heath. _Aug. 1o.—*Belmont, Woodmansterne,: and ,Chipstead. Sep. 16.—*Mitcham Common to,River Wandle. SoutH Lonpon Entromotocicat anp Naturat History, Society. July 1.—*Chalfont Road, R. Adkin, F. E.S. July 15-—*Wisley, va Effingham. W. I. Ashdown. Hy J. Turner, Han. Report Sec. Hutt Sctentiric AND Fietp Naturatists’ CLus. July 8.—*Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union at Driffield. aa r2.—t‘‘ A Séarch for the Red Deer in the Holderness ' Peat Beds.” A. & B. Morfitt. ~~ ns 26.—+‘* Advice to’ Young Microscopists.’ R. H. Philip. : : YORKSHIRE NaTuRALISTs’ UNION. July 8.— Driffield for Skerne and Wansford. Aug: . 5-7.—*Stokesley. Sept. —*Fungus Foray, Campsall Woods. Oct. —+Annual 1 Meeting at Harrogate. NOTTINGHAM Nar URAL SCIENCE RAMBLING Crus. July 1.—*Trowell, Balloon Houses and Hemlock Stone. oF = —*Hoveringham. + a —*Bulwell: J. Shipman, F.G.S. eee Weis NaTuRAL History’ AND PuILosopHIcAL “SOCIETY= ; July. - 15.—*Westerham and District. Mr. Trollope. Aug. 12.—*Bidborough and Leigh (with- Southborough ; Field Club). Mr. Freer. Sept. 2.—*Pembury and __ the Borough | Waterworks. zi H. S. Roberton. ‘ 3 fies 30.—(?)*Fungus Foray. R.-R... Hutchinson. - Hon. Sec., R. R. Hutchinson, 28,°\Princes Street, NortuH Kent Natura History Society. “ti 1.—*Field Ramble. a 12,—+Local Wiid Flowers. . J. W. (Gaciise f ie 20. ppubiedsiandithery Tales. Rev. J. Ww. Horsley, M. A. IMPORTANT. NOTICE. hey SuBSCRIPTIONS (6s. 6d.) for Vol. VI. are now due. The postage of SCIENCE-GossIP, is-really. one penny, but only half that rate is charged to subscribers. The Proprietor of Sc1ENcE-GossiP having decided to manage the business department from an inde- pendent “Gikee at 110, Strand, London, W.C:,: all subscriptions, advertisements and payment for ad- vertisements must in future be sent to that address, and no longer to the Nassau: Press, which latterly managed the commercial department for the pro- prietor. NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS, To CoRRESPONDENTS AND ExCHANGERS.—SCIENCE-GOSSIP is published on the 25th of each month. All notes or other communications should reach us not later than the 18th of the month for insertion in the following number. No com- munications can be inserted or noticed without full name and address of writer. Notices of admitted free. Business ComMunicaTiIoNs.—All Business communica- tions relating to Scrence-Gossip must be addressed to the Proprietor of Scrence-GossipP, 110, Strand, London. ‘and not specific names. _ magic lantern ; changes of address SCIENCE-GOS SIP. SuBScRIPTIONS.—Subscriptions to Sctencr-Gossip, which may commence with any number, at the rate of 6s. 6d. for twelve months (including postage), should be remitted to the Office, 110, Strand, London, W.C. EpiroriaL COMMUNICATIONS, articles, books for review, instruments for notice, specimens for identification, &c., to be addressed to Jon T. CarRINGTON, 110, Strand, London, Norice.—Contributors are requested to strictly observe the following rules. All contributions must be clearly written on one side of the paper only. Words intended to be _ printed in z¢azics should be marked under with a single line. ‘Generic names must be given in full, excepting where used immediately before.. Capitals may only be used for generic, Scientific names dnd names of places to be written in round hand. Tue Editor will be pleased to answer questions and name specimens through the Correspondence column of the maga- zine. Specimens, in good condition, of not more than three species to be sent at one time, ca7v7Zage paid. Duplicates only to be sent, which will not be returned. The specimens must have identifying numbers attached, together with locality, date, and particulars of capture. Tue Editor'is not responsible for unused MSS., neither can he undertake to return them, unless accompanied with stamps for return postage. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. E.S. (Thornbury).—The caterpillars which attacked your apple trees, are of the moth Bombyx neustria. This species is frequently common and destructive in the south of England. S.A.W. (Luton).—Your primrose is interesting, but a sport that occasionally appears. We have had several such brought before our notice this season. It may be thé result of the small rainfall of the past two years. D.D. (York).—(1) A good modern elementary book on Geology is Professor Watts’ ‘‘Geology for Beginners”’ (Macmillan’s, 2s, 6d.). x was noticed in ScrENcE-GossIP, November, 1898; Vol. v., p. “TT. (2) Have applied to pues “ lishers for information. C.B.S. (Beds). —Leach of Gt. St. Andrew’s Street, GRD supplies plants, fish, ete., for fresh water aquaria. T.E. ¢Leicester).—The rose is a case of proliferation, which seems frequent this year. : EXCHANGES. Norice.—Exchanges extending to thirty. words (including name and address) admitted free, but additional words must be prepaid at the rate of threepence for every seven words or less. OrrereD. A collection of coal measure plants, for an astronomical telescope) or books. T. Stock, “Radstock, ‘Somerset. Desmips._ Wanted past gatherings of the rarer kinds. Offered, mounts of same, or other botanical, or insect slides. W. White, Litcham, Swaffham.” A NUMBER of fine micro-slides, photo-micrographic prints and negatives offered in exchange for British and Foreign echinoderms, crustacea, shells, beetles, &c.—H. W. Parritt, 8, Whitehall Park, N. Devonian, Rhaetic, Lias and Oolitic fossils. Will exchange for Cambrian, Permian, London* Clay, Gault, Brachleshamt cor Crag fossils.—Dr. Brendon Gubbin, 15, Redland Grove, Bristol. WantTED Miniature Spectr oscope, adjustable slit. Offered, lZin. Micro objective, 115° angle, good.—F. C. Dennett, 60, Lenthall Road, Dalston, N.E. WANTED from British localities Clausilia biplicata, alive if possible. Many species to offer in exchange.—G. Breeden, 304, St. Vincent Street, Ladywood, Birmingham. Wimsuurst Electrical Machine, r12in. plates; nomical mirrors, 12in. and 6in. two astro- diameter; 6ft. focus; full-size snap-shot camera.—Offers, M. Lowe, 252, Spring Bank, Wigan. WantTep Pilsbry’s Manual of Conchology (Pulmonata), vols. 1 and 10. Offered, geological works, shells, or woah — Miss Linter, Saville House, Twickenham. Microscopic SLIDES wanted, of rocks and mineeals: Dr. Roberts, Billesdon, Leicestershire. FORAMINIFEROUS material or superior microscopic slides (miscellaneous) required in exchange for similar material or named specimens of Forams.—A. Earland, 28, Glenwood Road, Catford, S.E. WanteED, Clutches Sideblown Eggs, with authentic data, in exchange for similar clutches, Hare Nightjar, Stone Cur- lew, Lesser Redpoll, Nightingale, Yellow Wagtail, &c.— L. W. Leader, Banham, Attleborough, Norfolk. SCIENCE -GOSST/P. Nii WATKINS & DONCASTER, Naturalists and Manufacturers of Entomological Apparatus and Cabinets. p> SREY Pike Pee SS ee ee N.B.--for Excellence and Superiority of C ‘abinets and Mpparatus, peferences are permitted to aistinguished Patrons and Colleges, Se. ~ Catalogue (66 pp. ) sent post free on application, Plain Ring Nets, Wire or Cane, including stick, 1s. 3d., 28., a8. Ode Taxidermist’s Gompanion, “0. a pocket leather cise, containing Folding Nets, 39. 6. and 4s. ‘ most useful fastruments for skinning, row. 6d. Umbrella Nets (selfacting), 75. . Scalpels, 1s. gd.; Label Lists of Birds’ Ege, ad, ad., Gd. Pocket Boxes, 6d.; corked both sides, od, 1s. and os. 6d, Scissors, per pair, 2s. Setting Needles, 3d. and 6cd.-per box. Zine Relaxing Boxes, od, 18.. 18. OL, and 2s. - Coleopteris*s-Collecting Bottle, with tube, os. 6d., 18, Bd. Nested Chip Boxes, 4 dozen 8d,, ts. ad. gross. " Botanical Cases, japanmed double tin, 1s. 6d. 1%. ods, 3M. Gd. que 6d, Entomological Pins, mixed, 1s. 6d. 02. : Botanical Paper, 15. 1d), 1s. 4d., 18. od., 28. ad. per quire. ‘[7s. 6d. Sugaring Lanterns, 2s. 6d.to tos. 6d. 4 Insect Cases, imitation mahogany, as. 6d, to 118% Sugaring Tin, with brush, 1s. 6d,, 2s. : Cement for replacing Antennie, 6d. per bottle. ~ 3 Sugaring Mixture, ready for use, 1s. od. per tine” Forceps for removing insects, 1% 6d, 25.) 2s, Od. per, pair. Mite Destroyer (not dangerous to use), ts. 6d. per Ib. ee Cabinet Cork, 7 by 3). best quality, fs: 4d) per dozen sheets. Store Boxes, with Camphor Cells, 2s. 6d., 48.,.55. and 6s. . Pipa Diggers, in | fiber sheath, 1s..6d. Insect Lens, rs. to Bw. Ditto, Book Pattern, 8s. 6d., 98. 6d.) and 10s. 6d. Glass Top and Glass Bottomed Boxes, from 1s. 4d. per dozen. * Setting Boards, flat or oval, 1in., 6d.; ckin,, Sd; cfin., od.; 2in., Label Lists of British Butterflies, at. tod, } a}in., 15.3; gim, 1s. ad. ; gin. 1s. gd. 5. gin. 15. Od. ; Ditto Ios and and Fresh-Water She Ils, a}in., us. 8d.3 5in., tso10d. Gompleté set of 14 boards, 10s. 6d. Egg Drillss 2d., 3d* 1s..7 Metal Blow Pipe, Settings Houses, 9s. 6d. and ris. 6d., with corked back, 14s. Ournew Label List of British Mareo*)-¢pidoptera, with Latin and Zing Larva Boxes, od., 1s. Brass Chloroform Bottle; 2s. * English Names, 1s, 6d. Our eh Catalogue of British Lepidop- Breeding cage, 2s. 6d., 4s., 58. and 7s. 6d.) : tera, every spesies numbered, ts. ; or Gn one side for Labels, as. AM Articles vnumerated are kept in stock and can be sent Vinntainien on rectifl of orter The DIXON’? LAMP NET (invaluable for taking Moths of Street Lamps without climbing the lamp posts), 2s. 6d. CABINETS. . Special Show Room. The following are the prices of a few of the smaller sizes; for measurements and larger sizes see catalozue. * = Minerals and Dried 5 Minerals and Dried Insect. Eggs. | ae pear Insect. Zyps, + Minerals and . 66 Plants, Fossils, &c. ee = 5 Exgs Plants, Fossils, &c, * 4 Drawers °! PeeNgH. Gd) aes) 328..00.) Vic, ge 6d. 8 Drawers i......: Baha) bans e'e ted JOS. yx. 258. é Drawers . 47S. Gd... 05) 16s. 6d. ao WHeOd. «a 10 Drawers .... RPG GaN eas cls cM mre Rie A ye cee Ste A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS’: AND BIRDS’ EGGS. Birds, Mammals, &c:, Preserved and Mounted by First-class Workmen. _ 36, STRAND, W.C. (Five -Doors ‘from Charing Cross). Tue Automatic CyYcLostyYLe. THE LATEST IMPROVEMENT IN. DWPLICATING APPARATUS. , FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS JUST MADE. . ‘ i fe. r For printing ¢ Reports, Speei- | EDITOR OF ae SCIENCE COSSIP My says : cleaner. -One inking suffices fications, Price Lists, &c., itis ’ (MAY, '98,:No.) for 100 to 200 copies, but 2,000 invaluable and soon repays its copies may be taken from one VECOUTULE stencil. © [Vercan well a end, (his, Machine A FEW ADVANTAGES fo eC La , i . Sete nthe, 5 prGpees. ae + Equally adapted .for re- . othe Ps for preparing l da OpeEs Of Moles producing Written or type- orother dovurtents.” ~ : tr, Written matter. 5.—Great speed in taking copies. It is only necessary to turn a handle which lifts and lowers the frame, and time is gained by ney, a less number of re-inkings. 6.—The difficulties which frequently arise in the working of other duplicating apparatus entirely dispensed with in the CYCLOSTYLE. = ; nin ~ e THE CYCLOSTYLE COMPANY, 34, SNOW HILL, LONDON, E.C 4 a 5 5 5 5 2Ve ae 4 ad a ee c) ties r j ee —————— lll Ro. nto oe. JOHN J. GRIFFIN & SONS, LTD. Chemical, Philosophical, and Phot ographi¢ Instrument Makers, PHYSICAL AND GHEMICAL APPARATUS OF Every DESCRIPTION. NEW PATENT HOT AIR MOTORS. NO NOE Th meee NO SM Invaluable in a “Laboratory. or Workshop, As the full power can be obtained in less than five minutes. Gas not Essential. Spirit Burner Sufficient. Various Sizes, from 75 to $ Horse-power. Full particulars on appkeston 20.26, SARDINIA STREET, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, -— LONDON, W.C. sai J. HICKS, 8,9, & 10, HATTON GARDEN, LONDON, SCIENTIFIC Tee tens MAKER TO THE WAR OFFICE, INDIA’ OFFICE, | ADR a &e.* IS SOLE MAKER OF THE NEW | 4 | ; | | | PATENT ~~ oe “WT ATEIN 7? MOUNTAIN ASIDITOULE BAROMETER. Tue only Ancroid th: it can be thrown in and | out of action as required, and w vhich, when | out of action, is absolutely impervious to the influence of variations in atmospheric pres- sure. Travellers and Surveyors will now be \\ able to ascertain corrvct altitudes owing to the marvellous accuracy of this Instrument, which is described at length by Mr. WuyMPER, | the distinguished Alpine climber, in the | * Times" of December 17, 1898. wii oN | .bZGKhS.LON PAR anon. It is made in Aluminium for lightness, in | SOLE MAKER either 3-inch or 4i-inch sizes, with Sling Leather Case. PRICES: Scale to Scale to 5,000 feet .. £5 5S. 15,000 feet .. £5 15S. | 10,000 ,, .. £5 10S. 20,000 ,, .. £6 OSs HICKS’ S famous Student’s MICROSCOPE (Right-and Illustration) With A Eyepiece, Double Mirror, Brass Sipping Stage, Sliding Draw Tube 2 i long, 1 Objective dividing }, 4 and « inch, Coarse and Fine Adjustment, ree Cage, Forceps and Condenser, in neat Mahogany Cabinet, with lock and key. Price, £3 15s. Od, MAKER of all kinds of Standard Barometers and Thermometers. Illustrated Price Lists FREE on Application. Lonpon : Printed by the Borotes# Press, Limirep, Sweedland Court, Bishopsgate Street, and Middlesex Street, B.C. j eE