Page:The museum, (Jackson, Marget Talbot, 1917).djvu/102

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THE MUSEUM

ever, a subterfuge and one which is not wholly justifiable. The reason it was done in Germany was that it was found difficult to obtain a German made silk brocade which was fast color.

Care should be taken that the material used has no wool in it, as few museums are free from moths, and the greatest care must always be taken to eliminate any possibility of their getting in. Frequently flannel or cashmere is used as a background in cases and occasionally the woolen cloth used in making soldiers' uniforms has been considered a proper and safe background for a case. Nothing attracts the moths more quickly. If felt is needed a cotton or linen felt should be chosen and never a woolen one. There are many charming wall coverings that are made with some woolen threads. These must be excluded from a museum, as the danger is too great. With the impossibility of eliminating dust is bound to come the presence of the moths, who love dust and seek it.

COLOR

One of the most fascinating studies which the museum director must undertake is that of color. On this subject much has been written and good authority may be cited for almost any choice that may be made. One of the most interesting articles on this subject is that written by Professor Dede-