Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-22

the history OF the National Capital VIII
be seen gathered together comprehen-
siye collection Of the birds, fish, man.
mails insects and other native inhabitants
of the District.
DR.. F. w. True, the head curator of the
National Museum, in charge Of this prof.
ect, expresses his intention to do all he
can to make this collection attractive as
well as instructive. Besides the interest
which it is believed the exhibit will have
it will be an aid to school children, eSpe-
ciaIy high school pupils, in their studies.
Aside from these advantages, it will af-
ford Washington boys and girls a means
of familiarizing themselves with the
names and habits of the birds and other
animals which they encounter in their
rambles about the District.
AS vet only the site for this exhibit has
been chosen. This Is on the second ex-
hbition floor, to the right of the eleva-
tor at the north end of the building. 1t
will occupy a considerable space. well
lighted and as well adapted for the pur-
pose as any in the huge building. As soon
as suitable cases can b. provided the ac-
tual work of installing the exhibit will
be started.
In speaking of this exhibit Dr. True said
that only such species would be included
as were known from authoritative records
to be found in the District at present, OF
to have been here formerly.
There will be no guesswork in the mat
ter said Dr. True. IF we introduce
species which are mentioned casually by
the early explorers of this region they
will probably be kept separate. As re-
CARDS animals which are known to nave
inhabited this territory formerly, but
have now disappeared, we shall, if we are
unable to obtain authentic specimens;
from the District, use others of the same
species obtained elsewhere.
In the giant collections OF the museum
there are many specimens that by right
belong to the District exhibit, and con-
seuuently there is already much material
to draw upon The difficulty. however is
that in past years such material has SIM
ply gone to make up part OF the general
collections. For this reason there is a
great amount of work in store for those
concerned in preparing the District ex-
hibit before all the material now avail
able can be sorted out.
In speaking of the scope of the collec-
ton. Dr. j. f. Benedict said:
1.-The District is rich in material for
such a collection. Birds will. of course,
be one of the most important and larg-
est parts. This can also be said of the
insects as there is vast number OF
them found in this region. The mann
mails form comparatively small part of
the District fauna, while of fish. snakes,
turtles. frogs, etc. there viii probably be
a considerable collection. The crustacea
or crabs and other similar animals will
be included as well. The District has
numerous kinds of land and fresh-water
shells which may also be included in a
collection of this kind. and in addition
there is a multitude of lowly creatures,
representing many separate classes, that
are sure to arouse interest when properly
exhibited and labeled.
1t will be only d small exhibit in a
large museum" continued DR. Benedict
land primarily for the encouragement
of students of local natural history. but
will. we hope. also have general inter-
est for school pupils. Such collection
should aid mate rally in giving visitors d
good knowledge of the District fauna"
Fishes will probably be exhibited i'm al
they will, nevertheless. be recognizable as