DOMINION MUSEUM

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10617, 16 June 1920, Page 7

DOMINION MUSEUM

INTERESTING SHELL DISPLAY. Ono of' tlie latest additions to the Dominion Museum is a. collection, consisting of a case of New Zealand sheila, which has been most artistically arranged, scientifically correct in detail and according to specie, by Miss Mcotayer. The Museum possesses a |wery valuable collection of native shells and -shell-fish, but it iis one thing to see these displayed in rows above cards giving t'Kcir scientific names, and another to have them arranged as they are in their natural state. In the display in question, the shells arc divided into five classes, viz.:—Rocky moMUsco; shells, living iir sand and mud between tides; dwellers below tides; deep-sea. groups;, and "camouflage," or those adopting protective mimicry for defence against enemies. With the aid of sand, rockcry, seaweed, artificial colouring, and the very clever utilisation and moulding of wax, a true representation of the surroundings of the various specimens are shown. On cards attached to the case is explained much about the mollnsca. It is shown, for instance, that certain shellfish attack and feed on others, and ♦ hat. by some means they pierce the shells and devour the fish. Actual croups are exhibited which have been found engaged in such depredations. In other installers it is shown how other shellfish build about them protective suruT’dings of old shells to guard them ngnilist attacks by fish, other shellfish, ami seagulls. It is Intended to considerably extend this section of the Museum as opportunity exists.