Twenty-five years hence the zoological museums of this country will be as attractive and pleasing as the picture galleries, and they will teach ten times as many object-lessons as they do now. To-day the average museum is as lifeless as a dictionary; but the museum of the future will be life itself.
In Plate XVI. are shown three other examples of wall-cases, of different kinds. Fig. 10 is a group of humming-birds, with choice accessories, under a hemispherical glass shade, surrounded by a black velvet mat, and set in a rich gold frame. This exceedingly artistic arrangement is designed either to stand on an easel or hang on the wall, and is the work of Mr. and Mrs. George H. Hedley. No. 11 represents a group of gray squirrels in a rustic case made of papier-maché, with glass front, top, and sides, and natural accessories, the work of Mr. Joseph Palmer, of the National Museum. No. 12 represents a group of south southerly ducks at the edge of a marsh, in a square case with closed back, and painted background. This was prepared by Mr. William Palmer. In Fig. 57 appears a representation of a very pretty wall-case, by Mr. F.A. Lucas. This was one of a series of four companion cases representing the four seasons, and it is only the very unscientific who need to be informed that the blue-birds building their nest are meant to represent "Spring."
CONTRIBUTIONS OF ORNAMENTAL TAXIDERMY FROM THE NEW YORK EXHIBITION OF THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN TAXIDERMISTS TO THE U.S. NATIONAL MUSEUM.
1. "Coming to the Point" By W.T. Hornaday. Special Medal at Third Exhibition of S.A. T.; also medal at Cincinnati Exposition, 1884.
2. "An Interrupted Dinner" By Frederic A. Lucas. Diploma of Honor at First Exhibition.
3. Head of Caribou By W.J. Critchley. (Presented by Professor Henry A. Ward.)
5. "Wounded Heron" By F.S. Webster. Second Specialty Medal, Third Exhibition, S.A.T.
7. Frightened Owl By John Wallace. Special Medal, Third Exhibition.
10. Humming-Bird Group By Mr. and Mrs. Geo. H. Hedley.
11. Group of Gray Squirrels By Joseph Palmer.
13. Grotesque Group of Frogs By J.F.D. Bailly.
16. Portrait of Jules Verreaux By J.F.D. Bailly.
TABLE GROUPS.--Very fine specimens are often furnished with cases having glass on all sides, including the top, permitting inspection from all points. Of course every group of this kind requires a small table for its base. The most striking table group I have ever seen is one that was prepared by Mr. F.A. Lucas, entitled "An Interrupted Dinner," and represented by Fig. 2, Plate XVI. A red-tailed hawk has just killed a ruffed grouse, and has scarcely begun his meal when a goshawk swoops down upon him with outstretched talons to seize the quarry. The hawk has turned upon his back, shielding his prey with one wing, and with beak and talons "at full cock" is ready to receive his assailant, who hovers in mid-air immediately above him. The goshawk is supported on an invisible brass standard, which enters his body by way of the tail, and the illusion is perfect.
