Page:The museum, (Jackson, Marget Talbot, 1917).djvu/79

Rh and one that might have been saved by fore-thought. This simply goes to show that there is no detail that may be overlooked.

Architects in this country think that casement windows in order to be tight must open out. There are various disadvantages in this system. In the first place if a strong wind comes up when the window is open the strain on the frame and glass is enormous. The opening and closing of a window that opens out is much more difficult than if it opens in, but worst of all is the screening. On the ground floor of museums, casement win- dows are often provided. If they open in it is possible to put bars and screens on the outside with little expense. If they open out it is difficult to bar them and the screens must go inside and be arranged to slide up and down so as to provide access to the fastenings. Ordinary American windows do not give this trouble, of course, but where casement windows are specified they should be made to open in as they do in all continental European countries.

There are often dark days in winter when it is necessary to throw on artificial light, and even if the museum is not regularly open in the evening there will be certain occasions when it will be used after dark. Social functions held in the museum are a great help in increasing the