CHAPTER [if]. 
ROOMS AND CASES. 
In a work intended for all classes of naturalists, no definite 
rules can be laid down to govern in each case the construction 
of the home of the collections. In many instances, the mu- 
seum is a private one and is kept in a room of the dwelling 
house ; between this and such immense collections as those 
of the British Museum and the Jardin des Plantes, every 
gradation may be found, each requiring peculiar accommo- 
dations. 
In the case of private collections, a room should be se- 
lected, if possible having a northern exposure, well lighted 
and fitted up with conveniences suitable to the nature of the 
specimens. ‘The windows should be screened with curtains 
of yellow “holland” as this color tends to exclude the ac- 
tinic rays of light and to preserve the specimens from fading. 
For larger collections, such as are possessed by most col- 
leges and many societies, more extensive accommodations are 
necessary anda building should be especially devoted to 
them. The average college museum building is but poorly 
adapted for its purpose ; it is the result of consulting archi- 
tects who know nothing of the requisites of such edifices. 
(63) 
