10 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1924 



class is not compulsory. There is no charge made; it is free to rich 

 and poor. Professor Cizek claims the difference in his method and 

 that of others is that he does not teach too much; that he gives the 

 children opportunity for self-expression. He places materials at 

 their disposal and skillfully directs their thoughts and effort. The 

 results are magical, and as one looks over the drawings in black 

 and white and the paintings in color that have come from these 

 youngsters, one would almost wish that they might continue ever 

 children; for, according to Professor Cizek when the pupils get 

 past 15 and develop self-consciousness, all save the very talented lose 

 their skill — the fairy gift is withdrawn. The exhibition was of 

 extraordinary quality and interest and demonstrated what an in- 

 spired teacher can do under given circumstances. 



The reports of the head curators in the natural history depart- 

 ments and of the curators in the other branches of the Museum, 

 beginning on page 35, give in more detail the additions to and the 

 work upon the collections' during the year. 



SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC 



The National Museum as the depository of the collections belong- 

 ing to the Nation holds a special place among museums and kindred 

 institutions of the country and is specially responsible for service 

 to all the people. Every citizen of the Nation shares the burden of 

 the Museum and each should be benefitted by its work. 



The Museum serves the people in many and varied ways. Pri- 

 marily it receives, classifies, and exhibits collections of objects in 

 all lines of natural history and the arts and industries; but that is 

 not all. The importance of public collections rests not upon the 

 mere basis of custodianship, nor upon the number of specimens 

 assembled and their money value, but upon the use to which they 

 are put; and the National Museum endeavors at all times to serve 

 all the people in every way that it can. 



The Museum by its collections on exhibition conveys a message 

 to those citizens from various parts of the country who visit, their 

 capital; by its collections in the reserve series it affords assistance 

 to workers in all lines represented; by its system of distribu- 

 tion of duplicate specimens for educational purposes it aids the 

 coming generations all over the land; by its correspondence it con- 

 veys desired information in reference to specific problems in many 

 lines; by its publications it extends the boundaries of learning; and 

 more recently by the radio it has immeasurably extended its field of 

 service. 



