162 
Psyche 
[September 
of Natural History has a series of New England insects on 
view and among them is an example of this species.” 
“There,” said he, “I've always claimed that there was dan- 
ger that the boys would use such a collection as a pony if 
we had one here, but what you say has nearly convinced me 
that such an exhibition series would be a good thing.” This 
happened to be the first specimen of this species to be se- 
cured for the entomological collection of Cornell University. 
An exhibition collection is undoubtedly a good thing if it 
inspires interest in the visitors to a museum, and if it can 
be properly protected from light. This can be done by the 
use of opaque curtains or by keeping it in drawers to be 
pulled out from a cabinet when it is desired to consult it. 
At the Peabody Museum, we have a considerable series of 
insect exhibits arranged in flat, glass-covered rail-cases pro- 
tected by covers of opaque brown cloth attached along one 
side and removable by the inquiring visitor. Hitherto, it 
has rarely been necessary to cover up the specimens after 
inspection, persons removing the covers being unbelievably 
careful to replace them. 
Second, — There should be at hand in every public mus- 
eum, a reference or study collection for the benefit of the 
curator in charge of insects and the serious-minded public 
seeking information. This should contain, so far as possi- 
ble, examples of every local species and its life-history, their 
modes of attack and specimens of their work, — all to serve 
as an aid in identification and for the enlightenment of the 
serious student. Determinations of species should be by 
some recognized authority, if possible. This is the place for 
the rarities. Specimens should bear complete data as to 
locality and date of capture ; ecological conditions should be 
stated, if possible; and taxonomic groups other than genus 
and species may well be indicated. 
Third, — -There should be topical or ecological collections, 
either illustrating the insects associated with certain plants, 
as visitors, pests or pollinators, or with a definite kind of 
environment,— insects of sandhills, ponds, streams, etc. 
These groups may be limited in number and should be of 
