SHELLS 69 



preservation shown in the textile fabrics and other perishable materials 

 from the coast regions is due to the extreme dryness of the climate and the 

 nitrous character of the soil. [See Guide Leaflet Xo. 24. J 



SOUTHWEST PAVILION 



Chinese and Siberian Collections 



If we pass on into the hall at the extreme west end of the building, we 

 find specimens showing collections from Asia. The arrange- 

 „ . . ment is geographical. Read carefully the label at the en- 



trance to the hall. Specimens illustrating the culture, 

 industries, religion and manufactures of China are on the left; others show- 

 ing the mode of living, the costumes and the war implements of Siberia are 

 on the right. Bamboo, porcelain, basketry, inlaid work, cloisonne enamel, 

 agricultural implements, carvings in wood, ivory and stone, and embroidery 

 are shown to advantage. The furwork, costumes and rugs of the people 

 of East Siberia reveal remarkable skill in workmanship. Two models show 

 respectively summer and winter scenes in Siberia. A small model in one 

 of the cases to the left shows the manner of making pottery. A series of 

 frames in the rear contain pieces of various kinds of fabrics and patterns 

 illustrating weaving and woodwork ornaments. 



WEST WING 



Shells 



The collection of shells is being installed in the West Wing and is not 

 yet open to exhibition. It contains altogether about 100,000 specimens 

 representatives of nearly 15,000 species. These show extraordinary range 

 of color and ornamentation. The arrangement of the collection is still 

 incomplete but the installation will be as follows: first, in the south wall 

 cases will be placed a series showing briefly the classification of mollusks; 

 second, in the eight table cases at the north and south ends of the hall the 

 collections of land shells; third, in the upright railing cases the bivalves or 

 mollusks which have two shells like the common clam; fourth, in the 

 metallic cases the univalves, mollusks which have only one valve or shell 

 like the snails; fifth, special exhibits of shells in the north wall cases. Other 

 cases will contain exhibits illustrating the anatomy and habits of mollusks; 

 colored transparencies will show them in their habitats. 



[Return to the South Pacilion containing tin: apes and monkeys.} 



