1346 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



and it is a difficult matter to correct by information on a label the effect pro- 

 duced by the specimens themselves. By adopting the method suggested of 

 numbering the orders or families in accordance with a given scheme of classifi- 

 cation the smaller animals may be placed where they may be readily seen. 



If small examples of fishes that reach a large size are undesirable because 

 they give a wrong impression to the beholder, unusually large individuals are to 

 be ruled out for the same reason — that they give an exaggerated and incorrect idea 

 of the species illustrated. Such specimens may, however, be shown by them- 

 selves or where they will have a decorative value, the fact that they are of 

 exceptional size being plainly noted on the label. 



It is to be constantly borne in mind that exhibits are for the public; that 

 the average visitor is not given to studying exhibits; and that every effort 

 should be made to have the objects shown illustrate and press home the meaning 

 of the ideas they are intended to convey. Such being the case, the specimens 

 chosen for display should be typical of the group or fact they are intended to 

 illustrate. Rare or unfamiliar species should be eschewed so far as possible, 

 for their very rarity is a drawback and militates against their teaching power. 



No provision has been made in this plan for exhibiting fishery products, 

 or methods of capturing fish, though much information in regard to such matters 

 might be noted on the labels. There is a temptation to extend in these directions, 

 but such exhibits should properly be kept apart, if for no other reason than the 

 Jarge amount of room demanded and the difficulty of telling just where to stop. 

 Technological and commercial exhibits are capable of almost indefinite extension, 

 and to deal with the subject of fisheries alone calls for a large museum. 



No hard and fast line can be drawn as to the character of the material 

 used for display; alcoholic specimens, casts, mounted fishes, plates, all have 

 their uses and in some one particular each has its superiority to the others. As 

 a rule the writer believes thoroughly good casts of fishes to be superior to other 

 preparations for exhibition purposes, and this is particularly true of large or 

 smooth-skinned species. For small species alcoholics, mounted in flat jars, 

 are to be preferred, and wherever enlarged models are shown they should, if 

 possible, be accompanied by alcoholics. The public always likes to see "the 

 real thing" and know on what foundation a restoration or an enlargement is 

 constructed. The preferable mode of arrangement is believed to be the alcove 

 system with cases 9 feet high on three sides and a table or other low case in the 

 center. An ideal method would be to have the systematic series on one side 

 of a broad aisle, and the supplementary or special series on the other with any 

 groups of fishes in a dark corridor close by, but the arrangement must of neces- 

 sity conform to the limitations placed upon it by the plan of the building in 

 which it is displayed. 



