[in Japanese]

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For the purpose of establishing guidelines for environmental monitoring, using analysis on metals in the moss species, we attempted to determine metals in the moss species (AI, Ca. Mg, Fe, Mn, Ba, Cu. Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn, Cd) by the ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry) method. This was done by developing a new method of digestion the materials.
The materials are dry-ashed, and dissolved (HCI-HNO₃-HF) by the closed-wet method using a microwave digestion system (MDS-810). When the solution is dry, it is dissolved in 1 mol dm^{- 3} of hydrochloric acid, and then added to 4 w/v% of boric acid and transferred to a 50 cm³ measuring flask.
When analysis was made on Certified Reference Material (NIES No. 1, NIES No.7, NIST SRM1572, NIST SRM 1575, BCR CRM Nos 61) under this method, we were able to achieve satisfactory results from each material.
And also the proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of metals in several moss species.

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Fine structure of Aulacoseira valida (GRUNOW in VAN HEURCK) KRAMMER was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Plenty of frustules of this species were found in the peat and clay layers inserted between the Shimosueyoshi Formation and the Shimosueyoshi Loam Formation of the Upper Pleistocene assumed to be 0.12 to 0.13 million years old.
Though the thick valve mantle and big spines on the face/mantle juncture were the only noticeable characteristics of this species in light microscopical observations, scanning electron microscopy revealed the following features.
1) T-shaped spine composed of a long and hollow stalk, an extended solid distal end and a solid base arising from every interareolar broad costa on the face/mantle juncture. 2) mantle wall composed of outer and inner layers. The outer layer contains areolae and the underlying inner layer consists of entangled siliceous threads forming a sponge-like structure. 3) well developed thick and solid ringleiste. 4) usually one but sometime sup to three labiate processes on the inner surface of the ringleiste facing the valve face. The labiate process opens to the outside at the proximal end of a mantle areolar row. 5) cingulum composed of five open bands.

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To clarify the present distribution of Proboscis Monkey Nasalis larvarus from the River Mahakam to the Bay of Balikpapan, about 500,000 ha was surveyed.
Forest of rivers, swamp, mangrove and lowland were researched by using a boat or walking. When the monkeys were observed, first individual numbers were recorded, then I tried to identify sex and age. Also field signs were collected.
In total Proboscis Monkeys were confirmed at 88 points, and 67 of them were the groups, 11 were subgroups and l0 were solitaries. Population size was l0-35, and the average was l5.2 individuals. More than one male adult were observed in seven of 40 groups in which male adults were confirmed.
Only in the Mahakam delta, the habitat is kept in good condition for Proboscis Monkeys, and also many groups were distributed there. Although it is a desirable condition now for monkeys, there are many possibilities that it will be developed for cultivation of shrimp in future. So we should make a good plan in order to realize the coexistence development for people and the preservation of Proboscis Monkeys. For that purpose, detailed all-out research of this area is certainly needed in future.

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Samples of excrement of Meles meles anakuma in Mt. Nyugasa, Nagano Pref. were collected in order to research into their feeding habits. The diet was mainly composed of worms, insects, seeds & fruits, small terrestrial mammals, and man-made foods. We studied the correlations between the frequency with which these typical foods appeared, seasonal fluctuations in quantities, and fluctuations in the extant amounts within the research area.
Worms are the most important element of M. m. anakuma's diet, but, depending on the season, it can also adapt flexibly to fluctuations in extant quantities of other usable food stuffs. It seems that it adapts to fluctuations in the extant amounts of seeds & fruits, insects, and microtinae, and supplements its total food intake accordingly with man-made foods that can be easily eaten.

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SEM observarions were made on leaf papillae for 15 Japanese species of Thuidium. Detailed description and SEM-micrographs of the papillae are given for each species.

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The investigation of allozymic patterns and variations in organisms by an electrophoresis has recently attracted much attention. This method allows taxonomists to clarify the true nature of organisms.
There are several different procedures used in the method. Here, starch gel electrophoresis, showing the apparatus and staining, is introduced.

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Surface ornamentation of peristome teeth is examined by SEM for 19 Japanese species.
Detailed description and SEM-micrographs of the surface ornamentation are given for each species.

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