Instead of working with Xylene , we substitute Clear-Rite.  I'm told 
that Xylene clears more quickly so I am careful not to rush the 
times,but we get good results.  
           The Clear-Rite  is a mixture of alphatic hydrocarbons.  It 
has a health hazard index of 1 ( slightly hazarous). I still  wear 
gloves and use it in the fume hood. Xylene has a health hazard 
index of 2 ( moderate hazard).

          The supplier , if your interested , is :
                               Somagen Diagnostics Inc.
                               Edmonton , Alberta
                               Fax: 1-780-438-6595


          The manufacturer is Richard-allan Scienific
                                        Kalamazoo , MI
                                        1-800-522-7270


      Hope this is helpful ,  Margaret
Margaret Horne 
Dept. of A&P,
Atlantic Veterinary College, U.P.E.I.
550 University Ave., Charlottetown,
P.E.I.,  C1A 4P3 
Canada