EEPTILE GALLERY. 
39 
Selected examples of the different groups of insects are exhibited 
in systematic order in the table-cases, so as to give the visitor 
who studies them a general idea of all the most interesting 
forms and of their classification. Unfortunately, it is impossible 
to exhibit many of the most beautiful and rare species, owing to 
the deteriorating effects of continued exposure to light upon 
their colours. The main collection of insects is, on this account, 
and because of the immense space it would otherwise occupy, 
kept in cabinets in the insect-room " on the basement floor, to 
which students may have access under the regulations men- 
tioned at the end of this guide. 
Against the wall on each side of the gallery are models 
showing the injuries caused to vegetation by insects and mites ; 
also models of various forms of galls of general or scientific 
interest. 
Fig. 10. — Basking-Shaek. 
III. A large gallery containing the collection of stuffed speci- Reptile 
mens and skeletons of Eeptiles, including Crocodiles, Lizards, 
Snakes and Tortoises. As is the case with the fishes, very 
many of the animals of this class are necessarily preserved in 
spirit, and therefore not suitable subjects for exhibition. The 
gallery contains examples of all the forms of general interest 
for an account of which the visitor is referred to the special 
guide.* Special attention may be directed to the collection 
of giant land Tortoises (fig. 12), a group of creatures which are 
rapidly becoming exterminated, many being already extinct. 
As an example of the modern style of mounting, the visitor 
* ' Guide to the Keptiles and Fishes.' Price sixix-nce. 
