File:The American Museum of Natural History (1991) (17489803203).jpg

Title: The American Museum of Natural History
Identifier: american00titc (find matches)
Year: 1891
Authors: Titcomb, Mary
Subjects: American Museum of Natural History; Natural history museums
Publisher: (Austin, TX) : BookLab, Inc.
Contributing Library: American Museum of Natural History Library
Digitizing Sponsor: IMLS / LSTA / METRO

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39G THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. he remained three years. In 18G5, he was trans- ferred to the Zoological Gardens, London ; but after many vears ho developed some vicious traits ; and as it was thought unsafe to keep him tliere, he was sold to Mr. P. T. Barnum for §10,000. In 1882 he was brought to America, and formed an attractive feature in Barnum's shows. Jumbo met his death at St. Thomas, Ontario, Septem- ber 15th, 1885, in a railway collision, while being led across the track. His skin and skeleton were separately mounted; and after being exhibited some time, the skeleton was loaned by INIessrs. Barnum and )5ai)ey to the American IMuseum. Jumbo Avas twenty-five years old, and was l:i feet high at the shoulder and 18 feet in girth—the largest elephant known in confinement. The library of the museum, in charge of IMr. A. Woodward, contains about 13,000 volumes ami G,000 pampldets : not large, as compared Avith
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THE GBEAT AUK. many other libraries, but composed strictly o valuable works pertaining to natural science. In connection with the Department of Piibli Instruction, an annual serioj of lectures has bee: given by Professor A. L. Bickmore to the teach ers of New York and vicinity, on topics of nal ural history. The lectures are illustrated by plic tographic vicAvs «nd by the museum collections and the large attendance has proved their popu larity. Recently arrangements have been nuul for monthly lectures to be given to members o the museum ; and also, on legal holidays, fre illustrated lectures respecting the natural re sources and characteristic scenery of this conn try, and kindred subjects ; these latter being fo tlie benefit of the jieople Avho throng the build ing on holidays. The subjects of some of the lectures deliverer during the past two years show Avhat interestin; topics are brought before th . teachers and others Avho ar l)rivileged to attend them . The Palisades and Highlands The Catskills and the Adiron dacks, Tlie Lakes and Glen- of Kew York, The St. Law rence and the Saguenay, Tht Stem and the Leaf, Thi Forests of America ; Ilollanc. —Amsterdam ; 1) e n m a r k Sweden and Southern Nor- Avay; The National Yellow- stone Park ; Colorado—Pike'ii Peak and IMoiuunent Park ; The Canons of the II o c k 3' ^Mountains ; California — the Yosemite Valley; Alaska. The success of the American ' )\Iuseum is established. JManhattan Square gives ample room for new buildings as they are required ; and only a liberal endowment fund seems needed to secure the rapid groAvth and permanent high rank of this institution. At this time of Avriting about ^300,000 have been contribut- ed to this fund. Much more is requisite, aiid generous do- natiojis a r c confidently ex- pected. No more praiseworthy.or ef- fective avenue of usefulness is open to persons of Avealth than the fostering of an institution dcA'oted, as this is, to scientific progress and the education of the public.

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