— 134 — 



"The ^.v/«(5// collection should be something entirely independent 

 and apart from the other, and, on account of the rapid deterioration of 

 insect specimens constantly on exhibition and nece^saiily much exposed 

 to light, should consist as far as jiossible, of duplicates only, or of such 

 commoner species as can be easily replaced. Intended for the instruction 

 and edification o( the lay visitor to the IMuseum, it should illustrate in the 

 boldest possible way the salient characters of the class, the larger classi- 

 ficatory divisions and the structure on which they are based, the woiuler- 

 lul metamorphoses and economies of the commoner and more easily 

 recognized species, and particularl)- in their relations to man either 

 directly or indirect)}- through injury c>r benefit. 



The value of such an exhibit collection depends very much on con- 

 spicuity, and this can best be obtained by the liberal use of diagrams and 

 enlarged drawings, as the majority of the most interesting species and 

 those which concern man are almost microscopical m size. Such an ex- 

 hibit collection will miss its mark and object whenever it exceeds these 

 limits and by too much detail seeks to interest and instruct the Specialist 

 or in other ways trenches on the function of the study collection." 



Prof. Riley then further shows what a vast source of increase to the 

 IMuseum colleclicm is the Department of Agriculture at which the most 

 interesting material is constantly received, especially in specimens of bio- 

 logic interest, which renders necessary and extremel}- desirable the form- 

 mation of a separate Biological collection. 



Parallel therefore with the study collection will be the BioK)gic collec- 

 tion illustrating so much as is possible of the life history of each species. 



The aim will be to create and develope a truly National Collection, in 

 which American Entomologists can take pride, to which they can resort for 

 study at all times and in which they can feel a certain right of property. 



To accomplish this it will be necessary to obtain the cheerful assist- 

 ance of all American Entomologists. If each collector or student would 

 send duplicate series of types, the collections would soon reach a very 

 high standard: and if students — specialists with large collections would 

 provide for a transfer of their collections to the Museum, when they can 

 not further need them, the results*of their w^ork would be preserved to 

 their fellows and successors, and the aims of the INIuseum would be in a 

 fair way to fulfillment. 



The INIuseum as a Government Institution is reasonably certain to 

 grow and continue while the Government exists, and no better place it 

 seems to me can be found to deposit collections. 



Its connection with the Smithsonian Institution, will enable it also 

 to accumulate original collections specially made for it and will give it 

 an importance as a stutly collection second to none in the world. 



