| INVERTEBRATES
An exhibit of land snails and of shells from Lake Tanganyika occupies a position in the systematic series of shells here at the Brooklyn Museum, and shows specimens of the eggs of marine mollusks.
The ship-boring bivalve teredo and its work in destroying ship bottoms are exhibited in the case next on the east; sections of wood show the damage done and method of work, and photographs show the anatomy of the animal. Other boring mollusks are exhibited here also, and in the upper part of the case are habitat groups of the edible snails of southern Europe. The common vineyard snail is extensively used for food and snail farms are operated to produce it in quantity.
Here in this part of the the Brooklyn Museum is an exhibit of pearl shells from the pearl fisheries of Ceylon, showing pearl oysters in various stages and the process of abstracting pearls from the shells, is installed in the eastern side of this case.
The marine animals of the coast of Long Island and New England, from high tide to a depth of 7,200 feet, form an interesting exhibit in the last floor case on this side. Among the specimens may be mentioned the oyster drill, showing the drilled shells, egg cocoons and stages of growth of the animal, and mounted specimens of the pipefish, sand flea and other shore creatures. Models of the octopus and squid occupy the last wall case at this end of the hall and should be compared with the giant octopus and squid suspended from the center ceiling and the marine painting above.
Passing into the Insect Hall of the Brooklyn Museum (Room 8 on plan), a chart on the left of the entry traces the phylogeny or lines of descent of the arthropods, showing their relationships to the worms. Facing this, another chart shows an introductory series of insects, noting typical examples of the principal families. An exhibit of household insects, such as the flour moth, car-pet beetle, leather beetle, ant and other undesirable inmates of the dwelling, is shown on the west wall of this room, be-low which are six cases containing the systematic collection of beetles. Facing these, the true bugs are exhibited in the six lower cases, and above them is a series illustrating variation in color and form, protective mimicry, vestigial and rudimentary organs in insects, various phases of biological and economic interest and geographical variation.
Two groups, showing the tent caterpillar and army worm and their bird enemies, occupy the central floor space on the north side of this room. The insects which produce these injurious larva lay their eggs on trees and vegetation and the caterpillars do immense damage. Two other injurious insects, the cotton-boll weevil and the bark louse, are exhibited in the southern central floor case, their development and effect being also illustrated.
Nests of ants infesting acacia and other trees, and combs of the honey bee in the branches of a tree, the latter representing a return to ancient habits, are exhibited in this same floor case, together with various species of wasps and their nests.
Another striking exhibit of wasps and wasps' nests, including some interesting South American species, is shown in a large case on the north wall. The systematic collection of butterflies is displayed on the east wall, and, facing them, the Neuroptera or nerve-winged insects and the roaches, mantids, grasshoppers, katydids and others.
The Plant Hall of the Brooklyn Museum (Room 9 on plan) leads out of the Insect Hall on the east. An exhibit of the mushrooms and toad-stools which grow in the neighborhood of New York City is shown here. A habitat group of plants and animals of the desert is in course of preparation and will shortly be opened to the public. It represents an Arizona desert scene, in which giant cacti, sage brush and other typical desert plants are shown, together with pronghorned antelope and desert birds and reptiles.
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