Research methods in ecologyClements, Frederic E. (Frederic Edward)
Science
Research methods in ecology
Clements, Frederic E. (Frederic Edward)
Plant ecology; Plant ecology -- Methodology
located in a gravel slide. In this connection, it is hardly necessary to
point out that the lighted side of objects should always be taken, never
the shaded one. The exposures indicated above are based upon the
smallest stop. The reasons for using this whenever possible have already
been given. When a larger stop is necessary, the exposure is decreased
to correspond; for example, a quadrat that takes three to four seconds
at 256 can be taken at 64 in one second. As a rule, the sun should not
be in front of the camera, but, when necessary, views can be made in
this position if the sun is prevented from shining directly into the
lens.
=241. Developing= is as important as exposing. Indeed, it may well be
considered more important, since a properly exposed plate may be spoiled
in developing, while an under-exposure or over-exposure may be saved.
Owing to the ease with which plants move in the wind, the ecologist is
obliged to reconcile himself to many under-exposures, which can be
converted into good negatives only by skilful developing. Every base
station should have a good dark room, equipped with running water when
possible, a good ruby lantern, and the proper trays and chemicals.
Prepared developing solutions are alluring because of their convenience,
but after an extended trial of several kinds, the writer has reached the
conviction that pyrogallic acid, or “pyro,” is by far the most
satisfactory in working with vegetation. Of almost innumerable formulae,
the following gives excellent satisfaction and is convenient to use.
I. II.
500 cc. water 500 cc. water
30 grams sodium sulphite 5 grams pyrogallic acid
30 grams sodium carbonate
For developing, equal parts of I and II are mixed, and a few drops of a
10 per cent solution of potassium bromide added, unless there is reason
to suspect that the plate has been seriously underexposed. The fixing
bath is a concentrated solution of sodium hyposulphite, “hypo,” to which
a few drops of acetic acid are added. It should be replaced every week
or two, depending upon how much it is used. A tray of water is kept at
hand for bringing out the detail in underexposed negatives, and a second
tray is used for washing. The “pyro” and the bromide solution should
always be within reach, the former for accelerating, and the latter for
retarding the development of unsatisfactory plates.
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