Three Years After 



203 



In the second unit there are three large picture groups: (i) One of Ducks 

 and other Shore-birds of the New England coast. (2) A wood scene, with per- 

 spective glimpses of hills and meadows, against which are grouped many of 

 the birds of prey and the chief mammals of Connecticut, shown because of 

 the relation of some to the destruction of game-birds, i. e., a gray fox is shown 

 stalking some Quail while the fox cub in its den is nosing the remains of a 

 Rufifed Grouse, etc. (3) A picture group of the Sanctuary itself is used to 

 show all the birds that have either nested therein, rested there during the 

 migrations, or been its winter guests. The value of this group is to show 

 students the scope of bird-life that may be found in the neighborhood, as the 



A VISITOR 



records kept by the warden place the display upon a scientific basis and 

 eliminate anything like guesswork. 



The arrangement of our little museum aims at doing away with the confusion 

 that falls upon the amateur when visiting great collections, for we limit our- 

 selves to birds common to Connecticut, and, in addition to the picture groups, 

 we are developing three "study cases" wherein the birds are shown in pairs, 

 or male, female and immature, and plainly labeled. 



Have people tired of the exhibit? No. Those who came at first from mere 

 curiosity, came again with interested friends. Teachers make visits a reward 

 of merit for their Junior Classes, and automobilists leave the post-road to "take 

 in Birdcraft." Our last annual record of visitors was 6,200 people, a small num- 

 ber for a city museum, but very significant for a rural, cottage affair. The use 



