Page:American Seashells (1954).djvu/82

64 The first of these is usually the result of a summer’s random beach collecting by the novice or a living-room auxiliary to the main collection. Many important private collections have started in this manner.

The display collection for museums, libraries, clubs or even the home is limited by the pocketbook and by the type of secondhand display cabinets that can be afforded. Little more is needed than common sense attention to matters of good artificial lighting, attractive but neutral background, neat labeling, choice of specimens and especially the avoidance of overcrowding. The exhibit should be designed for its eye-appeal as well as for it’s interest. One has a wide choice of themes—a selection of local shells, mollusks of economic or medical interest, shells of odd habits, examples of colors and patterns and a host of others. The labels of exhibits showing classification should bear the scientific and common names and the geographical range. Miniature display boxes with cotton background and glass or cellophane covering are very popular and, if of uniform size, may be neatly stacked in a closet when not in use.

The name “study collection” may sound ominous to some but, if a few simple principles are followed, this type of housing will bring more joy and less work than any other system. It is not only neater, more compact and