ual specimens are preserved for reference in the study col- 

 lection. 



When the specimens are finally prepared and arranged the 

 making of labels is in order. Before even beginning to write 

 labels one should know enough to write a book about thes pec- 

 imens. Then the facts most essential for the purpose in hand 

 must be selected and arranged in a form pleasing to the eye, 

 for poor typography may spoil the whole effect. Labels are 

 always in danger of becoming separated from their speci- 

 mens, but since both bear the accession number they are easi- 

 ly brought together again. It is often desirable to put the 

 accession number on the shelf where each specimen belongs 

 to facilitate restoring the specimens after temporary removal. 

 The accession number is thus the key to the whole record of 

 each specimen and if it becomes obliterated the specimen is 

 sometimes almost worthless. 



It may well be asked, What is the purpose of museum ex- 

 hibits that such extraordinary care is required in the details 

 of their preparation? It is always to attract and hold at- 

 tention until a definite and lasting impression can be made 

 on the mind of the observer. Museums are continually striv- 

 ing to correct the tendency which most people have to go 

 through the whole collection and get a glimpse of each speci- 

 men all in a single visit. Nothing is more fatiguing than 

 ''doing" museums in this manner and the confused impres- 

 sion which results from the ordeal is a poor return for the 

 time and energy consumed in forming it. If you would real- 

 ly enjoy a visit to a museum go and see a very few things, 

 learn enough to feel personally acquainted with them, and 

 come away before you are tired. Modern museums encour- 

 age this practice in two ways. They prepare special exhibits 

 which are made the chief attractions for limited periods of 

 time and they frequently arrange lectures based on these 

 special exhibits. Such lectures are especially valuable in 

 providing a definite object for each visit. The preparation 

 of special exhibits involves much labor and expense, and 



