2506 



Journal of Applied Microscopy 



should be insisted that all resting surfaces, where dust might lodge, should be 

 faced to the floor. This is not an unimportant consideration ; the dust covered 

 tops of upturned, instead of reversed, cornices, on high cases, is a distinct dis- 

 figurement to a museum, and involves incessant attention in the matter of clean- 

 ing. Again, the removal of dust from high positions is usually accomplished by 

 the use of a pole duster, and the consequent cloud of dust subjects all the parts 

 of an exhibit, in and out of cases, to a fresh invasion, every time the cornices are 



r 



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1 



^ 



k 



Fig. 52. — Objectionable forms of moulding cornices on wall cases. 



cleaned, of this defacing and omnipresent museum misery. Figures 51 and 

 52, suggestive simply, illustrate correct and incorrect systems of cornice design. 

 The shelving of cases may be here considered. The shelving in cases has 

 two objects, provision of room for the specimens exhibited, and favorable posi- 

 tions for their intelligent examination. The second may be considered para- 

 mount, except in such instances, where the exhibition cases become storehouses. 

 Probably the best system of shelving involves placing the widest shelf the first 



Fig. 53. — Types of shelving. 



above the bottom of the case, at about two and one-half feet below the level of 

 •the eye of the spectator and carrying the shelves above that in gradually receding 

 order, so that the narrower are at the top. The smaller objects, with some 

 admixture of larger ones, for the effectiveness of its appearance, should be 

 placed on the lower shelves, the larger above, except such large objects as can 

 be accommodated on the floor of the case. 



The shadow of the upper shelves, by the method of progressive shrinkage in 

 width, is less apt to obscure the objects below. Shelves can be slanted by put- 



