REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 1923 II 
cultural and forest interests of the people. The collections of insects 
in the Museum are extensive and are specially illustrative of eco- 
nomic functions. 
Zoology. ‘The birds, fur-bearing animals large and small, and 
all other animals native to this State afford the very extensive field 
of study which falls to the part of the Zoologist and his assistants. 
Bird protection 1s generalized in the conservation law but it can not 
be intelligently carried out without a knowledge of the birds them- 
selves. To acquaint the public with these natural defenders of our 
comfort against the encroachment of the insects, through informing 
publications, is a part of the function of this branch. In a similar 
way, each group of animals plays a part in human welfare and each 
member of this vast group of creatures should be represented in 
the Museum by its own agent. The man who knows the life history © 
and habits of all the birds in this State can not be expected to know 
also the life history and habits of all the species of fish, the reptiles, 
mollusks, and so on down through the lower orders of animal cre- 
ation. This branch, therefore, though represented by extensive 
collections, is seriously undermanned. Beyond any question a rea- 
sonable increase in the personnel of the zoological staff would vastly 
. enhance the value of this service. 
Archeology and Ethnology. This branch has charge of the 
records and artifacts of the ancient Indians as well as, in large 
measure, their living interests. History is often read more truly by 
culture relics than by documents, and the effort of the Archeologist 
is to bring back a picture of the unwritten but romantic days of our 
aborigines, especially those of that notable league, the Iroquois 
Confederacy. There are still nearly 6000 Indians living on 
reservations in this State, contacts with whom are here continu- 
ously maintained with efforts for their welfare, civic and educational. 
The New York State Archeological Association is an active organi- 
zation of all interests in our aboriginal history, and this society has 
grown out of the activities of this branch. The Archeologist is in 
constant contact, often in a guiding capacity, with legislative and 
civic concerns relating to the Indian tribes. The collections repre- 
senting the culture, habits and government of our aborigines are very 
large and valuable. 
The Museum 
The exhibition halls of the State Museum display, so far as 
they permit, the natural resources of the State, especially as exempli- 
fied by the work of the scientific staff. The collections set forth 
with the best effects obtainable, illustrations of the mineral, geologi- 
