HOW TO START A MUSEUM. 45 



lished containing 1 full instructions for this preparation. 

 If you can get the advice and example of some competent 

 person, it will be still better. 



For the reception of your treasures, the variety of 

 cases is great. Let security and simplicity be sought. 

 Boys who are not contented without showy and elaborate 

 cases, seldom make valuable collections. It is not the 

 boy with the fifty-dollar rod that catches the largest 

 Irout. 



In arranging specimens, give the largest practical 

 space. Do not Imddle them. Nearly all kinds of speci- 

 mens look well set on separate blocks of wood, painted, 

 or neatly covered with white paper. Each one thus 

 placed has an individuality obtainable by no other plan. 

 Insects, mosses, shells, fossils, and minerals all appear to 

 great advantage in this way. 



Cultivate neat habits. Leave no debris. Allow no 

 disagreeable odors in the room. Keep all glass brightly 

 polished. Keep every tool in its proper place. Remove 

 all traces of dust. A distinguished scientist tells me that 

 he makes many tests and analyses in his parlor, and that 

 by attending to the matter, he does not make enough dirt 

 to soil his handkerchief. 



Do not make your home museum a nuisance. Many 

 great naturalists have erred here. Enthusiasm for 

 science is not a valid excuse for forgetting the feelings of 

 others. Remember that although you have no foolish 

 fear of snakes, it may be cruel of you- to expect your 

 sister to share your unconcern; and that although you 

 may have grown indifferent to the fumes of stale and 

 slimy alcohol, it may cause your mother serious distress. 



Finally, do not keep your museum simply as an orna- 

 ment. Study your specimens, and give others a chance 

 to study them. Put up for a notice "Hands on," rather 



