42 THREE KINGDOMS. 



to take care of. Allow no disagreeable odors in the 

 room. Keep all glass brightly polished. Keep every 

 tool in its proper place. Remove all traces of dust. 

 A distinguished scientist tells me that he makes many 

 tests and analyses in his parlor, and that by attending 

 to the matter, he does not make enough dirt to soil 

 his handkerchief. 



Do not make your museum a nuisance. Many great 

 naturalists have erred here. Enthusiasm for science 

 is not a valid excuse for forgetting the feelings of 

 others. Remember that although you have no fool- 

 ish fear of snakes, it may be very cruel in you to 

 expect your sister to share your unconcern ; and that 

 although you may have grown indifferent to the fumes 

 of stale and slimy alcohol, it may cause your mother 

 serious distress. 



Finally, do not keep your museum simply as an 

 ornament. Study your specimens, and give others 

 a chance to study them. Put up for a notice " Hands 

 on," rather than "Hands off." Classify your collec- 

 tion as well as you can, but remember that classification 

 is not the most important thing. Take your specimens 

 one by. one, and look at them, taste them, smell them, 

 feel of them, and learn their properties by personal 

 observation. 



HOW TO MAKE A CABINET. 



In ' Rollo's Museum,' a charming little book by Jacob 

 Abbot, we read that Jonas made an excellent cabinet 

 for Rollo, from a large packing-box. He stood it on 

 end, fitted it with shelves, and closed it by doors at- 

 tached by means of leather hinges, and fastened by a 

 wooden button. Such a cabinet, neatly finished, looks 

 very well, and costs almost nothing. To those who 

 would like to try their hands at something a little more 

 elegant, we offer the following simple design : 



