rl50 



NKW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



distribution of the genus Carabus, a beetle, shown by specimens 

 pinned on a map. 



Arachnids are dried and placed in fiat cases on dark green 

 or olive velvet or plush, which, however, has a tendency to 

 fade. Dried Crustacea are placed on sand or sandpaper, while 

 some of the alcoholic specimens are also placed on or partly in 

 sand, so as more closely to simulate their surroundings. 



The set of museum handbooks are models of their kind and 

 in some cases are really textbooks of the department they treat 

 of. They are sold at a very low price. 



As a result of his trip, the writer would regard the following 

 points as the most important and capable of being copied with 

 advantage in the State Museum. 



First and most important, the Avriter believes to be the use 

 of descriptive labels, sketches and diagrams. Second, the in- 

 stallation of specimens, as far as possible, in groups represent- 

 ing them in their natural surroundings. In the limited amount 

 of space at present at the disposal of the museum, this is out 

 of the question with the larger forms, but many of the lower 

 and smaller forms may thus be shown to advantage. Third, in 

 order to add to the attractiveness of the exhibits, the use of 

 colored backgrounds is recommended for such cases as those 

 of corals and skeletons. Many other suggestions might be 

 made; but these three the writer regards as most important, 

 and it is hoped that, as far as time will permit, they may be 

 introduced into the Museum. 



