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A SMALL PORTION OF THE BULLFROG GROUP SHOWING PICKEREL WEED 



PLANT FORMS IX >YAX 



SOME METHODS EMPLOYED IX THE DEPARTMENT OF PREPARATION' AND 

 INSTALLATION OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 



By E. C. B. Fassett 



Introduction 



THE preparation of exhibits is a primary function of a museum 

 and public appreciation of such an institution is largely depen- 

 dent upon the excellence attained in this preparation. More- 

 over, the attractiveness and instructive force of an exhibit often depend 

 almost as much upon the accessories employed in connection with the 

 objects as upon the objects themselves. Thus, a group of birds, of 

 mammals, or of insects must often be arranged to show relation to 

 natural surroundings, therefore requiring foliage which must be repro- 

 duced by artificial means since plants in drying do not retain their 

 strength or their lifelike appearance. 



