58 



lllIiDS OF I'MiAD/SE 



LABRADOR DUCKS, NOW EXTINCT 

 From the Group in the American Museum 



Eggs 



Birds of 

 Paradise 



ship between structure and habits, the many forms of bill, feet, wings, tail, 

 etc., and the different ways of using them are illustrated in other cases, 

 particularly by one showing the feeding habits of some birds. 



In the alcoves to the right the first egg case contains the S^nioptic 

 Collection of Eggs which shows the variation in the number 

 in a set, size, shell texture, markings, shape, etc., and tells 

 something of the laws governing these things. The succeeding cases con- 

 tain the general exhibition collection of nests and eggs, principally those of 

 North American and of European birds. 



At the north end of the hall is a nearly complete collection of the Birds 

 of Paradise, presented by INIrs. Frank K. Sturgis. This 

 family of birds is confined to New Guinea, Australia and 

 some neighboring islands. Their feet and bills show their 

 close relationship to the Crows and Jays, which they resemble in nesting 

 habits as well. Their chief characteristic is of course their gorgeous plumes, 

 wonderful as well in variety of form and position as in beauty. For these 

 plumes the birds are still being killed in such large numbers that unless the 

 demand for them soon ceases all the finer species will be exterminated, as 

 the Great Bird of Paradise is believed to be already. ]\Iore Birds of Para- 

 dise have been sold at a single London auction (23,000 in two sales) than 

 are contained in all the museums of the world. 



Also in this hall are a number of groups of local and other birds which 

 are placed here only temporarily. In fact, much of the arrangement of 

 the hall will be changed as soon as circumstances permit. 



Suspended from the ceiling is the skeleton of a Finback 



Finback Whale 



Whale, sixty-two feet in length. 



