io2 Lessons in Nature Study. 



Shells may be arranged in a similar way. Twigs bearing 

 buds are best placed upon large stiff cards. Woods may 

 be cut in uniform length and placed in boxes, or small 

 screw-eyes may be inserted, and they may be suspended 

 from cup-hooks in a lath tacked above the blackboard. 

 Insects should be placed in boxes from which the dust is 

 excluded. Soft animals should be preserved in alcohol and 

 bottled. 



In lieu of a cupboard in which to keep these collections 

 a very good one may be devised by employing wooden 

 boxes 3X2X1 foot in dimensions, such as are used for ship- 

 ping soap. Two of these boxes placed one above the 

 other form a substantial frame into which shelves may be 

 fitted. A curtain may be hung in front, and the outside 

 may receive a coat of paint or stain, which will convert the 

 boxes into a very respectable cabinet. 



3. The Curator. Nothing is more unpleasant than to 

 see a collection of any kind of curios covered with dust. 

 To keep a museum in good order requires the expenditure 

 of no little time and attention. To this end it is well to 

 have from the outset a curator. Pupils should be made to 

 feel that this office is one of honor. This will make them 

 willing to hold the office. Its duties should be (a) to label 

 all new specimens and place them with their kind ; (b) to 

 keep specimens clean from dust and be responsible for 

 them while in office. The curator should take care that 

 specimens do not become disarranged, and in schools when 

 a case with lock is provided he should have the key. 



4. Exhibits. I have found a very fertile source of 

 specimens to be the homes of pupils. 



In many a house may be found unique and often very 

 valuable curios, which are not cared for by the owners. 



Rare minerals, beautiful corals, shells from distant seas 

 are often found relegated to the garret, whence they may be 

 brought to become a perpetual source of instruction in the 

 school-room. 



A good way to obtain such treasures for the museum is 



