BARTON: TEACHERS’ SCHOOL OF SCIENCE. 
25 
select the greater part of the New England specimens and present 
them to the Society. 
The insects should be divided into two collections — a study and 
an exhibition series. Nearly all classes of natural history specimens 
lose more or less of their original color when exposed to the light; 
especialty is this true of the nocturnal insects, and while these should 
be well represented in the Museum, it is advisable to select for this 
purpose the more common forms, such as can be readily replaced 
from time to time. Moths might be kept in glass-covered drawers 
accessible to the public. 
In the collection for study, all of the species found in New 
England should be represented. The collection for exhibition, on 
the other hand should be made as complete as practicable,— life 
habits illustrated, injurious and beneficial species designated; their 
food plants mentioned and well established popular names given, 
together with other items of a scientific or economic value. 
The limited distribution of many of the vertebrates and inverte¬ 
brates could best be shown by having small maps of New England 
displayed on which the areas covered could be designated. There 
are many other advantageous features, which require only time for 
development. In all this work the Curator hopes for the cordial 
cooperation of all the members of the Society. 
REPORT OF THE CURATOR OF THE TEACHERS’ SCHOOL OF 
SCIENCE, PROF. GEORGE H. BARTON. 
Lowell Free Courses. 
Field Courses. These now consist of three definite courses 
of instruction, the botany and zoology having become as well 
established as the geology. Each course shows a marked success 
during the past year in spite of much bad weather which must 
necessarily interfere with the attendance and the success of the work 
in field lessons. There were five Saturdays during the spring and 
four during the autumn which were completely or partially rainy. 
Each of the courses consists of ten lessons in the spring and ten 
lessons in the autumn. 
