The Museum as it stands To-day 97 



of evolution, which, after all, is only the more or less progressive de- 

 velopment of low and simple forms to the higher and more complex. 



Marine invertebrates play an important practical part in our in- 

 dustries. Millions of dollars are invested in the culture and market- 

 ing of oysters and other mollusks. Lobsters are getting scarce on 

 the New England coast and several species of crabs have come into 

 favor through the shortage. All these, with hosts of other inverte- 

 brates, are shown in the Museum. 



Foraminifera, one-celled animals which live in great numbers in 

 the ocean, are represented in the cases by many species. The dis- 

 covery that certain fossil foraminifera often indicate the presence 

 of oil in the rocks has added interest in these microscopic animals 

 because of their practical value and curious structure. 



Artists and designers may find, in the specimens exhibited, many 

 patterns and useful suggestions which can be incorporated in their 

 work. 



Habitat groups, showing crabs and other invertebrates in their 

 natural surroundings, occupy a part of one room. Interesting bio- 

 logical studies, such as the regeneration of lost parts in lobsters and 

 starfishes; the opening of an oyster by its enemy, the starfish; and 

 the peaceful association of several different animals, with common 

 benefit to all, are illustrated in the exhibition cases. 



Historically, some of the most noted scientists in the United 

 States have been associated with this department or have taken an 

 active interest in its development, and some of the earliest con- 

 tributors to the museum, dating back nearly one hundred years, 

 were authorities on marine invertebrates. The elder Agassiz ; several 

 of his pupils, such as E. S. Morse, and J. Henry Blake, as well as 

 Alexander Agassiz, who continued his father's work at Harvard, 

 did splendid work with this group of animal life. The names of 



