MUSEUM ACTIVITIES 



Deferred Matters. — It goes without saying that the building and occupa- 

 tion of the Hazard Memorial has held the center of the stage ever since public 

 announcement was made on the 2nd of February, 1922. Although the dedica- 

 tion exercises were held, very auspiciously, on the 17th of April, the building in 

 its interior arrangements was far from complete, and the "Formal Opening" 

 scheduled for a date early in May proved impossible of fulfilment. The oological 

 clan, moreover, was too widely scattered by that time, as was to have been 

 expected. With the exception, then, of this belated Journal, all formal and official 

 matters, such as the Annual Meeting of Members, ratification of by-laws, etc., 

 have had to be held over till another season. 



The Formal Opening of the Hazard Memorial Building of the M. C. O. 

 will be held some time next winter, possibly in connection with the Annual 

 Meeting, which falls naturally on the 12th of March. The collections will be 

 in thorough readiness for inspection at that time, and all interested in the science 

 or "practice" of oology are urged to plan attendance. 



The Comparative Oologist. — In spite of many brave promises; it has seemed 

 best not to change the character or the name of the official "Journal" this year, 

 nor to attempt the publication under a more pretentious title of what would 

 necessarily be a more technical magazine. The truth of the matter is that the 

 material offered us for publication has not been of the form nor in such quantity 

 as would justify the launching of a new magazine. This is not a criticism of our 

 contributors, some of whose generous and able reports of field work appear in 

 these pages. It is a simple statement of fact. The technical reviews, the reports 

 of expert investigation, the semi-philosophical discussions, which the importance 

 of our subject warrants, hav'n't shown up yet. When a sufficient amount of 

 first-line material does accumulate — and we hope that this may be at an early 

 date — we shall assuredly publish as "The Comparative Oologist." We are unwil- 

 ling, however, to pad out the columns of a new periodical either with editorial 

 effusions or reportorial commonplace. In the meantime, therefore, we will con- 

 tinue to publish the "Journal," either as an annual or as a quarterly, as institu- 

 tional convenience may require and as the generosity of contributors may permit. 

 Open to the Public. — The Museum of Comparative Oology opened its doors, 

 informally, to the public on the 17th day of August, 1922, since which time there 

 has been a steady influx of sight-seers, both travelling and local. The effect of 

 the more favorable situation is immediately manifest, for the museum now has 

 as many visitors in a month as it did in six at its former location. The more 

 casual visitors, the "merely curious" are shown a stated round of representative 

 drawers; but those who appear for the second or third time are led more deeply 

 into the treasure-house of the institution. The attendants are always ready to 

 present the deeper scientific meanings and values of the material shown, and it is 

 very gratifying to see the character and frequency of intelligent response. Visi- 

 tors whose eyes are apathetic or coldly tolerant before a mere array of pretties, 

 parti-colored ovals, will rouse to animated (and often voluble) appreciation 

 when some scientific induction is clearly pointed out. Recognition of the educa- 

 tional value of our institution far exceeds our earlier dream. 



Personal Guidance is assured to all M. C. 0. guests. Some visitors express 

 disappointment that there is nothing on display which they can maul over for 

 themselves. The oologist, of course, understands the exacting requirements 

 which beset the maintenance of a collection of birds' eggs. They must be kept 

 out of the light, except for momentary display; they must be guarded against 

 dust and disarrangement, and from the all too willing familiarity of the inexpert 

 hand. All this means personal guidance of a most active type. But this, while 

 it entails heavy duties upon the management, is most fortunate in the end. It 

 ensures that the museum guests shall not only be well entertained, but instructed 

 and interested as well. Prejudices are dispelled — the few who come to sniff 

 remain to praise — and the casual patronage of the passer-by often becomes the 

 intelligent appreciation of a sworn friend. 



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