University of Colorado - Coloradan Yearbook (Boulder, CO)

Page 30 text:

possible all specimens on exhibition are being so mounted that the labels are always in sight. About one thousand mineral specimens are on exhibition. ' The ores and rocks, while less attractive to the eye, are of equal scientific interest. The number of these specimens is similar to that of minerals, but, like the less pretentious of the latter, they are largely concealed in drawers. The series presented by the United States National Museum is of particular interest as illustrating the distinctly educational work done by the United States Geologi- cal Survey, and its recognition of the value of geological education as well as of economic applications. All Universities are beginning to see the value of good collections for il- lustration in class work, and also for general educational purposes. Nothing so stimulates an interest in natural history as an accessible collection where people can find properly labeled specimens to compare with specimens which they themselves have seen or collected. Our University is making a beginning in the way of securing a collection of the birds of the vicinity of Boulder and Colorado generally. The specimens now in the cases on the second iioor of the Hale Building are carefully labeled, and some interesting information given in regard to each kind of bird. Very few collections anywhere are so well dis- played as this one, and students will find an occasional examinationof the specimens to be of great interest. A iine collection of insects has been donated to the University by Mr. Andrews, a former student, now a resident of Cali- fornia. These insects are well displayed in the Museum on the third floor. The University has also some yaluable specimens of marine animals which it is hoped can be suitably displayed in the near future. The herbarium is gradually growing, and is made available for students doing advanced work in botany. A botanical museum should be started in the near future. It would be of great interest to students and to the public generally. 56

Page 29 text:

THE MUSEUM Among the many new departures made this year, perhaps one of the most important was the appointment of Judge Henderson as Curator of the Museum. All through the summer Judge Henderson was engaged in work on the fossils, arranging, labeling and properly classifying the specimens. This service by the Curator before his appointment was given gratis and out of pure love for his work. Over five hundred fossils were labeled, and also shells and minerals, redeemed from out-of-the-way places, were brought together and labeled. For they past eleven years Judge Henderson has successfully practiced law in Boulder, and is at present Judge of the County Court. As an avocation he has pursued the study of geology, particularly the geology of this region, and is now engaged in a study of the birds of Boulder County. The Museum, which for many years was not open to student or the public, has been put in order, and the material of interest is being rapidly brought into shape for display and use. The great value of the appointment of a permanent curator is that now as specimens of various kinds are received, instead. of being bundled away in drawers and cabinets, they will be labeled and displayed, giving students the full benefit of all collections. The mineral collections are beginning to assume an attractive appearance. The displays of tluorites and agates are rarely excelled in beauty, and the cal- cite crystals are among the most remarkable in the country. As rapidly as 55

Page 31 text:

W f , Wx M K X 'M YW I-1 A XNW-553135 W! M34 M f3 X Ai