I02 



Field Columbian Museum — Reports, Vol. II. 



wall cases and fourteen floor cases were constructed, after plans pre- 

 pared by the Curator and assistants. Provision of two kinds of cases 

 was deemed desirable, in order to give more open and attractive 

 appearance to the halls than could be done if either kind was used 

 alone. Further, by this means large and small specimens can be 

 exhibited effectively in the same hall. The wall cases constructed 

 are 12 feet long, 8 feet high, and either 2 or 3 feet deep. The base 

 of the case is 20 inches in height and instead of being made solid, as is 

 usually done, is cut so as to leave six legs, each 6 inches in width and 

 8 inches high, upon which the case rests. By the substitution of 

 legs for the solid base, marring of the base by the feet of visitors is 

 prevented and dust does not accumulate beneath the case. The 

 portion of the case above the base consists practically, except at the 

 rear, of a series of sashes, each with a single light, framed together. 

 Two sashes, each with a single light 68x70 inches, form the front of 

 the case. These are supported by pin butts fastened to the top rail,, 

 by means of which the sash can be swung outward when entrance to 

 the case is desired, or by drawing the pins the entire sash can be 

 removed. This plan of swinging the sashes was adopted with some 

 misgivings on account of the weight to be borne, but it proves in 

 practice to be entirely satisfactory. A specimen in any part of the 

 case can be reached in a moment without the removal of the screws 

 or wearing out of screw holes. Two locks in the lower rail of each 

 sash serve as fastenings. Felted tongue and groove joints prevent 

 the entrance of dust. The backs of the cases are of white — wood 

 made of a framework carrying panels to permit normal shrinkage 

 and expansion of the wood. The cases are provided with shelves cut 

 in 3-foot lengths and varying from 7 to 16 inches in width. Con- 

 siderable study was given the matter of making the shelf supports 

 adjustable to any height and yet inconspicuous and not unduly 

 consumptive of space. The plan adopted and one which seems to 

 fulfill all requirements is to support the brackets by strips of one- 

 quarter inch strap iron in which holes one inch apart bearing a screw 

 head have been bored. To these, brackets of steel or iron, according 

 to the weight which is to be supported, are fastened with screws, the 

 screw passing in until it is flush with the surface of the bracket. 

 The brackets have the form of a right angle, strengthened nearest the 

 angle by extra thickness. By such a system of shelving and supports 

 the case furniture becomes so inconspicuous that the eye scarcely 

 appreciates its existence, and the specimens alone stand out as the 

 objects which the case was designed to exhibit. The prominence of 



