us to perform a considerable service for such collectors, and in return we have no 

 hesitation in asking first choice of their material. We are especially anxious to build 

 up series showing variations. Many of our exchange members, therefore, are willing 

 to submit their series of a given species for our selection (and return of material not 

 required), in return for choice material new to their collections. In this way both 

 parties to the transaction are benefited, and our series, which are administered for the 

 common good, are constantly growing in value. 



Corresponding Members 



This designation is meant to include all ornithologists, oologists, directors and 

 curators of museums, and collectors of note, whether home or foreign, who are willing 

 to cooperate in any material way, or to further the cause of the M. C. O. The number 

 of our correspondents is already very gratifying, and it is the specific purpose of this 

 booklet. to increase this number greatly. "Hands across the seas" is the order of the 

 day, and we are just as ready to render any assistance within our power as we are 

 to receive favors. 



Authorized Collectors 



This class comprises those whom the Museum subsidizes or aids in any material 

 way in prosecuting field work, or in collecting for the Museum of Comparative Oology. 

 Only those who are known to the Museum management personally are employed in 

 this capacity, and for such the institution stands sponsor, both as to good faith in the 

 identification of specimens, and as to observance of regulations, both State and Federal. 



Lastly, all others who in any other way contribute acceptable material, or render 

 valued service to the Museum of Comparative Oology, are recognized as Contributors, 

 and as such are tendered thanks in the name of the Trustees. 



It is not to be supposed from this rather imposing array of named orders, that 

 all groups are working at full capacity. All, nevertheless, are organized and are in 

 active operation. It is the special purpose of this presentation that those who read 

 these words and are in any way interested in the advancement of oological science 

 may each make personal selection of the class which appeals to him, and either seek 

 affiliation directly, or else open correspondence which may lead to some choice of 

 work and honors. We invite cooperation of every conceivable degree, and would 

 rejoice to make the entire scientific world partners in interest in this public-spirited 

 effort. We are building an oological treasure-house, and the treasure is yours, to be 

 administered for the common good. 



MUSEUM FUNCTIONS 

 A DECLARATION OF POLICY 



Modern museum practice rests on service. A three-fold task, therefore, confronts 

 every museum. In order that it may serve, it must get and keep and use the material 

 belonging to its appointed field. This is true of all conceivable institutions entitled to 

 the name museum, whether they be custodians of art, history, literature, science, or 

 commerce. But although the task is one in this sense, the changing values given to its 

 three-fold aspects constitute the highest grounds of difference between one institution 

 and another. These and the subject matter itself make the museum individual. If the 

 institution is to be understood, therefore, it is not sufficient to name the field of its 

 activities. Tts methods, its reactions, its purposes, must be further defined. And when 

 we attempt so to define them, we shall find that one function flows into another, and 

 that the exercise of each presupposes and depends upon the others. 



The Museum of Comparative Oology, then, has for its first task the acquisition of 

 material. It must secure as soon as possible and as easily as possible a complete rep- 

 resentation of the birds of the world together with their nests and eggs. Or perhaps 

 it would be better to say, it must secure the eggs of the birds of the world, together 

 with as many nests and skins as are necessary to enable the eggs to tell their full story. 

 For the first purpose of the museum, regarded as a repository, is to husband the testi- 

 mony of the egg. 



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