2604 



Journal of Applied Microscopy 



ascending series of dimensions, the longer side of one tray forming the shorter 

 side of the tray next above it in size, as 2 x 3, 3 x 4, 4 x 6, 6 x 8, 8 x 12, etc., 

 with the occasional use of square trays and odd dimensions. These trays have 

 sides three-eighths of an inch in height. Their corners are stiffened by small 

 wire elbows, hidden in the cardboard. 



Plaster of Paris trays with bevelled edges have been applied to the exhibi- 

 tion of shells, but with poor effect, their white porous surfaces absorbing dirt 

 and dust, and soon showing a sullied and repulsive surface. Porcelain trays 

 have also been suggested, but they are expensive, and present a cup and saucer 

 tea-service effect which is slightly ludicrous. Dr. Schuchert, of the National 

 Museum, has put in use a terra cotta tile for holding fossils, but its results are 

 doubtful. The best or most attractive method of exhibiting fossils has yet to be 



Fig. 87. — Reindeer heads on stairway, A. M. N. H. 



discovered. An attempt will be made to solve this by the use of backgrounds 

 and vertical screens for the tabular pieces, containing fossils, while the detached 

 individual specimens can be arranged in trays or on boards of strikingly con- 

 trasted color, as ebony or ivory white (Fig. 89). 



Trays should not be too deep, simulating boxes ; their sides should not 

 exceed one-half an inch, and that usually is too high. 



LABELS. 



Dr. Goode has drawn the attention of museum curators and authorities to 

 the importance of labels, and in his report on the National Museum has feel- 

 ingly expounded the whole subject. It really does seem that the critical posi- 

 tion of the label writer is somewhat overstated, and the extreme altitude of 

 lexicographical excellence assumed for him rather exaggerated. 



But with that we are here hardly concerned. The technique (this section) of 

 labels, involves their colors and disposition ; their contents, size of type, etc., 

 fall under the later sections of System and Effect. 



