Farrant's Medium for Mounting Mosses

Abstract

Dr. R. H. Ward once wrote that for some objects of microscopical interest Farrant's Medium nearly accomplishes the paradox of enabling one to mount specimens without the trouble of mounting them. It is certain, however, that if more workers with the microscope know just how satisfactory this gum and glycerine medium was, that it would be in more demand. A great many of us are too busy to make permanent glycerine or balsam mounts. Frequently when working on the mosses they are examined in glycerine; and if of sufficient interest, are laid aside without being sealed, but in this condition they quickly spoil. No further labor than mounting in water or glycerine is entailed by using the Farrant's Medium. The advantages are many. In a few hours the gum hardens at the edges and the slide can be cleaned without risk of disturbing the specimen. In fact such slides can be put away for years just as mounted, and then extra fluid can be scraped away with a knife, when desired. The following suggestions for those not accustomed to this rapid way of working may be of use: (a) Do not use too much of the medium. With a little experience, an amount sufficient to flood the object nicely to edge of the cover glass will be used. This will do away with the necessity of clearing away the excess; although such excess can be cut away with a knife or washed in a few hours.

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