REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR I918 1 3 



for the benefit of the people of the State, but its inaccessibility, its 

 deep penetration into the solid mass of rock and the purpose of the 

 quarry owners to cut it away, made it necessary to do what was 

 possible to save the crystals. Not less than ten tons of these were 

 removed and it is some part of these that have been used in the 

 effort to produce, in the halls of the Museum, a replica of the cavern 

 on diminished scale. The intricate and difficult work of restoration 

 and construction in the mineralogy hall, has been accomplished with 

 a very striking effect and the observer is able to get from it a satis- 

 factory impression of the appearance of the cave with its crystal- 

 lization and glowing colors. The clever disposition of the electric 

 lighting brings out the deep rose shades shown by transmitted light 

 and the amethyst color seen under reflected rays. The plan has 

 been worked out and executed by Noah T. Clarke and Charles P. 

 Heidenrich. 



Restorations of invertebrate fossils. The desirability of increasing 

 the number of such restorations of the invertebrate animals of our 

 ancient faunas as will serve to give adequate conceptions of their 

 living form, has made itself so evident that plans have been put 

 into effect for the execution of additional exhibits. Last year an 

 underwater group showing the fauna of the Portage group (Upper 

 Devonian) of western New York was installed and has excited 

 general interest and much expert approval. There has recently 

 been added to the series of reconstructions a group portraying the 

 living form of the marine animals belonging to the seas of the Lower 

 Devonian of eastern New York as exemplified in the region of the 

 Helderberg mountains. A photograph of this group is here inserted 

 with additional illustrations of individual restorations in order to 

 show the detail in which the work has been elaborated. Fortunate 

 provision by a friend of the Museiim will probably permit the increase 

 of this series of illustrations of the life of our long past. 



New York fishes. The collections have been removed to the 

 walls of the zoology hall, in order to save space, and the present 

 arrangement appears to be very effective. The collection of the 

 food and game fishes is not so extensive as it should be, and there 

 has been good reason to hope for an increase in it through private 

 means. This may be realized; it is much needed as public interest 

 in the fishes is very keen. 



Additions from field operations. While materials in all branches 

 of natural history are constantly coming to the Musetim, important 

 special additions have been in several directions : 



