232 IOWA STUDIES IN NATURAL HISTORY 
veloped by any native Polynesian people. Almost every phase of 
the life and achievements of the Maoris is there to be studied by 
any one who comes properly accredited. Not only the vast array 
of specimens, very carefully labeled and excellently installed, are 
at the disposal of the student, but he has at hand the resources 
of an excellent library where he can consult literary sources con- 
cerning the early history of the country and the publications of 
a host of previous workers. The most accomplished and up-to-date 
museum man in New Zeland, in my opinion, was Mr. T. L. Griffin, 
the assistant curator of the Auckland Museum, who has had the 
best training and experience and is extraordinarily versatile in his 
tastes and achievements. His habitat group of the kiwi, spotted 
shag, ete., and his restoration of the moa are real works of genius 
which compare favorably with those of the most able taxidermists 
anywhere. His artistic ability is shown in its perfection by the 
large series of New Zealand fishes mounted after the most modern 
technique and colored with a fidelity and delicacy of touch which 
is admirable,—as good as I have seen anywhere, and their poses 
are remarkably life-like. The fishes, be it remembered, are about 
the most difficult of all the vertebrates to preserve in anything 
like a satisfactory manner and present, perhaps, the severest test 
of the ability of the preparator. It is to be sincerely hoped that 
the Dominion Government will properly recognize the masterly 
work of Mr. Griffin and sustain him in it. 
The Dominion Museum at Wellington is in good hands under 
the care of Mr. J. McDonald, Acting Director. He also is an ex- 
cellent artist, a man of exceptional ability and resource with an 
intimate acquaintance with the Maori and is an expert photogra- 
pher. He is ably assisted by Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Oliver and others, 
all good in their respective departments. 
One of the best assets of this museum is Mr. Elsdon Best, whose 
knowledge of the Maori people is probably more profound than 
that of any other living man. He is a veteran in the work but 
seems as alert and keen as any of the many scientists we met. 
Practically his whole life has been devoted to an understanding 
of the Maoris and their work. He lived with them for many years 
studied their language, habits, art and traditions until he is said 
to know more of that fast disappearing language and folk-lore 
than does any one native at the present time. His industry has 
been tremendous, and his scientific publications make a surprising- 
ly long list. He has also prepared for publication some extensive 
