What constitutes a Museum Collection of Birds ? 155 



not only the bird, its haunts, and nest, but some of the most 

 remarkable scenes in the bird world, that assuredly no exhibit 

 of birds is complete which is not supplemented by bromide 

 enlargements, transparencies, or other media presenting photo- 

 graphically facts in bird-life. 



Economic Ornithology. 



It is of the first importance that this practical side of 

 ornithology, which will appeal to many not impressed by the 

 scientific or aesthetic value of birds, should be adequately 

 treated in our exhibition halls. Groups may show the feeding 

 habits of insect-, seed-, rodent-eating, and scavenging birds, 

 and be accompanied by stomach-contents, charts,, diagrams, 

 and tables designed to show at a glance the usefulness of 

 birds, and, at the same time, to impress the observer with the 

 necessity of affording them j>roper protection. 



Commercial economics may also be dealt with here, and the 

 use and abuse of the bird as an asset illustrated by the Ostrich 

 and Eider on the one hand, the Tern and Egret on the other. 



Man's Influence. 



A closely-related exhibit may show changes in bird-life 

 due to man's influence through destruction for plumage or 

 food, and changes in the character of environment. Species 

 which have increased or altered their habits to adapt them- 

 selves to new conditions may also be included. 



School Collections. 



Comparatively few teachers can or do bring their classes 

 to a Museum. Frequently it is impracticable for them to do 

 so. At a very slight expense, small collections, containing 

 half a dozen mounted common birds, may be prepared to 

 extend the Museum's influence to the school's, and establish 

 a bond with those who are actively engaged in educational 

 work. 



These little travelling Museums may be sent from school 

 to school, or be borrowed by the teacher as she would take a 

 book from a circulating library. The birds should be fully 



