2512 



Journal of Applied Microscopy 



in itself with the results it attains. The flat or desk case is sometimes modified 

 by an upright addition in which larger objects can be placed, and which may 

 serve to relieve the depressed look — squattiness — of the desk cases themselves 

 (Fig. G4). 



In museums of natural history this is really seldom successful. They cannot 

 always be used appropriately, and unless the objects are large they serve no 

 useful purpose. They are preferably replaced by a long, narrow box, divided by 

 a partition and opening on top by lids, and supported on metallic standards 

 (Fig. 65). In these receptacles, photographs, maps, sections, flat plans, dissec- 

 tions, labels, etc., can be placed, and made illustrative or explanatory of the 

 exhibit in the flat case below. 



In art museums this top case has more value ; or in archaeological and ethno- 

 logical sections of natural history museums, where vases, pottery, folios, even 



Fig. 03. — Mining and Metallurgical Collection, Field Columbian Museum. 



objects of personal adornment, on paper backgrounds, can be displayed, they are 

 available ; though usually, if there is room enough in wall cases or special shallow 

 cases (see below), it is best to abandon their erection. 



The inverted V, or A, case is a useful and sometimes attractive form of case 

 (Fig. 66). It can be filled within by a core or mat. This core takes the shape 

 of a smooth or stepped pyramid. If the latter, the series of steps form shelves, 

 upon which the objects are placed, ascending upward. If smooth, the core can 

 be covered with baize, cloth, plush, etc., and the objects in some way attached. 

 The white plaster cells holding lepidoptera are in this way arranged rather strik- 

 ingly in such cases in the New York Museum (Fig. 67), by pins holding up the 

 white blocks. Or these A cases may be fitted with shelves, and be adapted to 

 various uses, inserting short brackets (see above) and glass shelves. Again, 

 these A cases may be used for skeletons, animals, vases, etc., without cases. In 



