THE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 15 



has been stimulated by the offer of cash prizes for recognition of birds. 

 One hundred and ninety-four children took the examinations for these 

 prizes. 



The Museum Going to the Schools 



Specimens have been taken to the schools and used as subjects for 

 talks by a member of the museum staff. The chipmunk, for example, 

 has been used in seventy-eight lessons to approximately 2500 children 

 who were told of the animal's structure, habits and economic status. 

 Weasels and foxes were used in the same way to equal numbers. These 

 visits resulted in an immediate increase in the number of classes brought 

 to the museum by teachers. 



Loan collections have^yncreased in number and have been used ex- 

 tensively in the schools. 



Lectures 



Adults have had opportunities. The Finley and Fuertes lectures 

 delighted hundreds of persons. Dr. George E. Dawson's series of 

 lectures on psychology were particularly well attended. Round table 

 talks by Mr. T. Nelson Dale on geological and botanical subjects have 

 brought together some of Springfield's scientists, and through the Bird 

 Club's activities nature lovers have met and gone afield with kindred 

 spirits. 



Gifts 



Mr. Luman Andrews again heads the list of contributors with a 

 donation of 2970 pressed plants which are now installed in the Andrews 

 herbarium. Dr. J. M. Birnie has given relics of the late war, and from 

 eighty-four other donors much appreciated and valuable additions 

 have been made to various departments. 



The Staff 



Miss Dell G. Rogers who ably assisted at the museum for three and 

 one-half years, resigned in September to be married. 



Two Springfield teachers, Miss Dorothea Clark and Miss Grace 

 Puffer, in part time work during the winter, have rendered valuable 

 service in clubs and story-telling. 



The Catherine L. Howard Library 



As the work of the museum broadens the advantages of the Howard 

 Library are increasingly apparent, and the museum welcomes this 

 opportunity to express to the Catherine L. Howard Library association, 

 appreciation of this excellent library, and of the unfailing assistance 

 and encouragement given to the museum in its efforts to be of greater 

 service. 



The death of Miss Sophia Howard who was so essentially a part of 

 the influence that inspired this memorial, brings sorrow to the many 

 friends who loved and respected her. 



