76 BIRDS'-NESTING. 



this sort of care ; and make a reputation for a habit 

 of keeping your "hands off, " which will be of advan- 

 tage to its possessor. 



Then the tightness of the cabinet is a very impor- 

 tant thing to be looked after. Your treasures must 

 not be exposed to the light, or they may fade ; must 

 not be where insects can get at them, or they will be 

 covered with dirt and probably inhabited ; must be 

 kept free from dust, or they will go to ruin. 



These various desiderata are best satisfied in an 

 upright case of drawers, of good size, which shall be 

 closed in front by one or two doors fitting as closely 

 as art can make them do. The fronts of the drawers, 

 also, ought to be as tight as possible. Each drawer 

 may be locked if you wish, but it will be sufficient 

 to lock the doors ; and this should never be neglected, 

 or the key left where careless hands can get hold of 

 it. It is only by guarding them as though they were 

 jewels that you can preserve in your collection the 

 high degree of beauty and value which ought to be 

 your aim. 



PROPER CONSTRUCTION OF DRAWERS. 



The drawers should not be all of the same depth, 

 if your case is made specially for this purpose. If 

 you make use of an old case, with deep drawers, you 

 can accomplish the desired economy of space by 



