Page:The museum, (Jackson, Marget Talbot, 1917).djvu/185

Rh the general nature of its contents, as, AMERICAN GLASS, XVIII AND EARLY XIX CENTURIES. This is sometimes painted on the case, but if this is done no other material can be exhibited in the case until it has been repainted. The Metropolitan has perfected the printing of glass labels which are very satisfactory for such work. They may be hung inside the case and are legible, unobtrusive and do not obstruct the view of objects in the case. Separate smaller labels harmonizing in tone with the background of the case may be used for individual objects. These should always be placed in a definite relation to what they describe. Black labels printed in gold are not as legible as light-colored ones printed in dark ink. Hand-written labels always look more untidy than printed or hand-painted ones.

Where the objects to be labelled are very small, Egyptian scarabs, gems, coins or the like, and there is much to say about them, numbers beside the objects referring to one central label may be used.

Holders of some kind for labels in cases are often necessary. The most convenient and the simplest are made of wire to exactly fit the label, but if these are not at hand a small block of wood glued to the lower part of the back of the label holds it up nicely.