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5.

Further experiments were made looking to the manufacture of new cases, better adapted than these at present in use, for the display of the collection.  The problem of how best to display large mounted specimens, to which allusion has been made in previous reports, was again attacked.  The erection of a very large case in the centre of the hall was first considered.  The curator finally came to believe, however, that such a case would prove unsatisfactory on account of reflected light.  The proposition to build railing around the low terraces already in use was next considered.  The objection to this plan lies in the fact that a great deal of floor space is wasted.

It is evident to every museum officer, however, that specimens must be protected from the rude handling or mutilation of unthinking and unscrupulous visitors.   If they cannot be placed under glass or surrounded by railings, but one other mode of arrangement remains to be considered, namely, the erection of high terraces, which take the specimens out of the reach of visitors.  A terrace of this character was made for the mounted mammals exhibited at New Orleans, and seems to have been generally regarded effective both from an aesthetic and a practical point of view.   It is proposed to erect a similar terrace, with modifications, at the South end of the hall.  Particularly groups, such as that of the fur-seals and certain very valuable specimens such as the musk-oxen may be placed in specially-designed cases.

No case suitable for large seals has yet been planned.  The difficulties here are fully as great as with the ruminants.  Being wide and low, the specimens cannot be placed on high shelves.