Evening star., 1946-08-25

tne SadrlnenS won 1lrSC place.
Manifold interests of the Smith
sonian Institution are further illus
trated by photographs taken in the
United States, Canada, Greenland
and Labrador, the Pacific isles,
South and Central America, Africa
and the Far East. Maps noting the
Smithsonians explorations in nat
ural history and supplemented by
publications which resulted from
them. Informative labels and plac-
ards direct the visitor to follow up
the material shown in this special
exhibition, by visiting the large dis
plays elsewhere in the various
buildings.
Historic Objects Displayed
Another OF the Smithsonian re-
sponsibilities is preserving the Ma
tion's treasures" which come under
many classifcations. Of tremendous
Importance to scientists are more
than 100000 biological type speci-
mems in the Natural History Build
ing. A few examples on view of the
varied objects owned by the Nation
include an extraordinary Hawaiian
feather robe, given more than a
century ago by King Kamehameha
III; Dolly Madison's card case, Pres
ident Jacksons pistols and pewter
plates from George Washington's
field kit There are treasure chests
overfowing with handsome French
brocades and ancient coins, and OBJ
jects set with gem stones.
The art alcove is of exceptional
interest, and will be reviewed in
detail next week. The section de-
voted to publications reveals the
fact that more than $500 individ-
ual papers have been published since
1846, ranging from pamphlets of
modest formal to such magnificent
compilations as Mrs Walcott's mon
umental North American Wild
Flowers" in connection with which
are shown a few of her original
water colors. and the printed fac
SMILES, so faithful that they must
be examined closely to reveal the
difference. The institutions most
recent publication is the excellent
survey Of its first century.
Some idea of the Smithsonian's
international exchange and CORE
spondence can be derived from the
displays of Cancelled mail from the
48 States and from all the worlds
nations. as well as from crates and
boxes filled with travelling exhibits.
Minerals and fossils and other ac-
QUESTIONS from Smithsonian re-
search round out the visitors knowl-
dge Of this great institution. The
special exhibition will remain
through September 25, thus giving
Washingtonians ample opportunity
to study it in relation to the full
sized displays to be seen at all times
Tolman Made Director
Ruel P. Tolman has recently been
made director OF the Smithsonian
Institutions National Collection of
Fine Arts. AS a matter of fact, he
has served in this capacity Gas act
ing directory since June, 1882, when
the first director, the late William
H. Holmes, retired. Like the latter,
Mr.. Tolman is an artist in his own
right; DR.. Holmes was a water COL
orist, while Mr.. Tolman is an etcher.
The latter has been on the staff
of the Smithsonian Institution for
"a years, during most of which time
he has been curator of the Division
of Graphic Arts. Under him, the
collection of prints increased in size
and Importance. Monthly exhibi-
tions, most of them one-man shows
by contemporary printmakers, have
been held. and purchases encour-
aged. Furthermore, small national
chalcography has been established
along lines recommended by the late
Joseph Pennell for the Library of
Congress, but not yet realized there.
Mr.. Tolman is experienced in other
fields. He has assembled a collec-
ton of miniatures for the institu-
ton, chiefly by American miniatur-
lists of earlier years and outstanding
regulations. He has written a COM
prehensive and authoritative book
on Malbone, which is ready for the
press. Furthermore, as result of
his experiments and studies, Mr..
Tolman is an expert restorer of old
oil paintings.