Procedures having enhanced reliability over older methods for both Bielschowsky and Cajal types of stain are described. Fixation of embryos in a solution containing 4% formaldehyde and 0.5% trichloracetic acid greatly improved the staining of neural elements by Bielschowsky's method. Among the variations of Cajal's type of staining tried, a modification of Ranson's pyridin-silver method gave the most complete staining of neurofibrillar elements. Washing for 0.5 to 1 hour after silver impregnation and shortening of the reduction time from 24 to 4 hours corrected the tendency of the method to overstain.