Natural Resources

Lithograph of

The natural resources collections offer centuries of evidence about how Americans have used the bounty of the American continent and coastal waters. Artifacts related to flood control, dam construction, and irrigation illustrate the nation's attempts to manage the natural world. Oil-drilling, iron-mining, and steel-making artifacts show the connection between natural resources and industrial strength.

Forestry is represented by saws, axes, a smokejumper's suit, and many other objects. Hooks, nets, and other gear from New England fisheries of the late 1800s are among the fishing artifacts, as well as more recent acquisitions from the Pacific Northwest and Chesapeake Bay. Whaling artifacts include harpoons, lances, scrimshaw etchings in whalebone, and several paintings of a whaler's work at sea. The modern environmental movement has contributed buttons and other protest artifacts on issues from scenic rivers to biodiversity.

Engraving of fish species "Ictiobus tumidus, Pytchostomus albidus, Luxilus leptosomus"

William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of three fish species after original sketches by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of three fish species after original sketches by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The engraving was printed as Plate 19 in "Ichthyology of the Boundary” by Charles Girard (1822-1895), published in Volume 2, Part 2 of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey. The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C. The fish species illustrated include: Ictiobus tumidus [Grd], Ptychostomus albidus [Grd], and Luxilus leptosomus [Grd].
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Ictiobus tumidus [Grd], Ptychostomus albidus [Grd], and Luxilus leptosomus [Grd]”—now "Ictiobus bubalus" (Smallmouth buffalofish), "Moxostoma albidum" (Longlip jumprock), and "Notemigonus crysoleucas" (Golden shiner or Golden shiner minnow); from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 19 in the “Fishes” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by Charles Girard (1822–1895). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
publisher
U.S. Army
author
Girard, Charles
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
ID Number
2009.0115.067
catalog number
2009.0115.067
accession number
2009.0115

Engraving of fish species "Caragnus esculentus, Doliodon carolinus, Chorinemus lanceolatus, Chloroscombrus cambraeus, Argyreiosus capillaris, Vomer setapinnis"

William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of a fish species after an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of a fish species after an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The engraving was printed as Plate 1 in “Ichthyology of the Boundary” by Charles Girard (1822-1895), published in Volume 2, Part 2 of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey. The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C. Species represented in the engraving include:
Figs. 1- 3 - Caragnus esculentus [Grd], Fig. 4 - Doliodon carolinus [Grd],
Fig. 5 - Chorinemus lanceolatus [Grd], Fig. 6 - Chloroscombrus carribaeus [Grd], (Atlantis bumper), Fig. 7 -- Argyreiosis capillaris [De Kay], and Fig. 8 - Vomer setapinnis [Grd]; now "Oligoplites saurus" (Leatherjacket).
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Caragnus esculentus [Grd], Doliodon carolinus [Grd], Chorinemus lanceolatus [Grd], Chloroscombrus carribeaus [Grd], Argyreiosis capillaris [De Kay], and Vomer setapinnis [Grd]; now "Oligoplites saurus" (Leatherjacket), "Trachinotus carolinus" (Florida pompano), "Oligoplites saurus" (Leatherjacket), "Chloroscombrus carribaeus" (Atlantic bumper), and "Selene setapinnis" (Atlantic moonfish or horsefish); from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 11 in the “Fishes” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by Charles Girard (1822–1895). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
author
Girard, Charles
publisher
U.S. Army
ID Number
2009.0115.080
catalog number
2009.0115.080
accession number
2009.0115

Flower Display Preserved in Plastic

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.A.7535
accession number
198812
catalog number
A.7535

Poison Sumac Preserved in Plastic

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1943-10-11
ID Number
AG.A.7594
catalog number
A.7594
accession number
198812

Miner’s Safety Lamp

This Davy-style safety lamp was made by an unknown maker in the second half of the 19th century. In Davy lamps, the flame is surrounded by metal gauze. The flame is unable to pass through the holes in the gauze, preventing any methane in the air from igniting.
Description (Brief)
This Davy-style safety lamp was made by an unknown maker in the second half of the 19th century. In Davy lamps, the flame is surrounded by metal gauze. The flame is unable to pass through the holes in the gauze, preventing any methane in the air from igniting.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8802C
accession number
265669
catalog number
MHI-MN-8802C

Engraved woodblock of "Marble Canyon"

This engraved woodblock of "Marble Canyon” was prepared by engraver Edward Bookhout (1844-1886) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1875 as Figure 26 (p.77) in Report of the Exploration of the Colorado River of the West and Its Tribu
Description
This engraved woodblock of "Marble Canyon” was prepared by engraver Edward Bookhout (1844-1886) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1875 as Figure 26 (p.77) in Report of the Exploration of the Colorado River of the West and Its Tributaries. Explored in 1869, 1870, 1871, and 1872, under the direction of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution by John Wesley Powell (1834-1902). Thomas Moran (1837-1926) accompanied Powell on his expedition and drew the original image.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
1875
original artist
Moran, Thomas
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Powell, John Wesley
graphic artist
Bookhout, Edward
block maker
V. W. & Co.
ID Number
1980.0219.0259
catalog number
1980.0219.0259
accession number
1980.0219

Miner's Carbide Lamp

This mining lamp is a “Guy’s Dropper” model made by the Shanklin Manufacturing Company of Springfield, Illinois, first manufactured in 1913. The lamp is named after its inventor, Frank Guy, a miner from Springfield.
Description (Brief)
This mining lamp is a “Guy’s Dropper” model made by the Shanklin Manufacturing Company of Springfield, Illinois, first manufactured in 1913. The lamp is named after its inventor, Frank Guy, a miner from Springfield. Frank Guy partnered with George and Edgar Shanklin to produce this lamp, and the lamp saw tremendous success through World War I. The Shanklin Mfg. Co. was sold to the Universal Lamp Company in 1932, who continued to make "Guy's Dropper."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MI-1115.2
accession number
1978.0288
catalog number
MHI-MI-1115.2

Miner’s Cap Lamp

This oil-wick cap lamp was made by an unknown maker during the second half of the 19th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick cap lamp was made by an unknown maker during the second half of the 19th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout. The resulting flame was much brighter and more efficient than the candles it replaced. The hook enabled the lamp to be worn on a cap.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9771B
accession number
304880
catalog number
MHI-MN-9771B

MSA Skullgard Miner’s Helmet

This Skullgard helmet was manufactured by the Mine Safety Appliances Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during the 20th century. The Skullgard brand helmet was developed by MSA in 1930.
Description (Brief)
This Skullgard helmet was manufactured by the Mine Safety Appliances Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during the 20th century. The Skullgard brand helmet was developed by MSA in 1930. The hat is made of Bakelite plastic with a leather and metal lamp bracket is attached to the front of the helmet, which probably would have held an electric lamp.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MT-2681 [dup2]
catalog number
MHI-MT-2681
accession number
115672

Miner's Electric Cap Lamp

First manufactured in 1912, the Edison Safety Mining Lamp was powered by a battery enclosed in a self-locking steel case worn on the miner’s belt. A flexible cord, protected by a steel cover at both ends, connected the battery to the cap lamp.
Description (Brief)
First manufactured in 1912, the Edison Safety Mining Lamp was powered by a battery enclosed in a self-locking steel case worn on the miner’s belt. A flexible cord, protected by a steel cover at both ends, connected the battery to the cap lamp. The battery could power the six-candlepower lamp for 12 hours and was recharged at the end of a miner’s shift.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7949
accession number
240639
catalog number
MHI-MN-7949

Miner’s Safety Lamp

This Davy-style safety lamp was made by L.F. Madara of Gilberton, Pennsylvania during the late 19th century. This Davy-style safety lamp employs a wire gauze that surrounds the flame.
Description (Brief)
This Davy-style safety lamp was made by L.F. Madara of Gilberton, Pennsylvania during the late 19th century. This Davy-style safety lamp employs a wire gauze that surrounds the flame. The flame is unable to pass through the holes in the gauze, preventing any methane in the air from igniting. The lamp has been mounted on a plastic base.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8775
accession number
265669
catalog number
MHI-MN-8775

Miner's Safety Lamp

This Davy safety lamp was made by the J.W. Queen and Company of Philadelphia in the late 19th century. The Davy lamp was used to alert miners to the presence of methane (firedamp) and prevent mine explosions. The flame would give off a blue cap if methane was present.
Description (Brief)
This Davy safety lamp was made by the J.W. Queen and Company of Philadelphia in the late 19th century. The Davy lamp was used to alert miners to the presence of methane (firedamp) and prevent mine explosions. The flame would give off a blue cap if methane was present. In order to lower the methane to acceptable levels, it would be purposefully ignited by a “fireman.” This lamp belonged to such a fireman.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.059269
catalog number
59269
accession number
15369

Miner's Carbide Lamp

This lamp is made by the Dewar Manufacturing Co. of Brooklyn, New York, who produced carbide mining lamps from around 1914 until it was bought by the Wolf Safety Lamp Co. in the late 1930’s.
Description (Brief)
This lamp is made by the Dewar Manufacturing Co. of Brooklyn, New York, who produced carbide mining lamps from around 1914 until it was bought by the Wolf Safety Lamp Co. in the late 1930’s. Dewar was known for its “I-T-P” (It’s Trouble Proof), Sun Ray, and Dew-R-Lite lamp brands. This particular lamp is a Dew-R-Lite, probably manufactured in the late 1920's.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8941A
catalog number
MHI-MN-8941A
accession number
240639

Miner's Cap Lamp

Manufactured by the Grier Brothers, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the 1910's, this oil-wick mining lamp has a double spout, indicating that it burned "Sunshine" fuel.
Description (Brief)
Manufactured by the Grier Brothers, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the 1910's, this oil-wick mining lamp has a double spout, indicating that it burned "Sunshine" fuel. This kind of lamp hooked onto a miner’s cap, and produced an open flame on the miner's head so he could see his work in front of him.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8056
accession number
239012
catalog number
MHI-MN-8056

Vinca Minor Preserved in Plastic

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.A.7544
catalog number
A.7544
accession number
198812

Miner’s Safety Lamp

This safety lamp was manufactured by the American Safety Lamp and Mine Supply Company of Scranton, Pennsylvania in the latter half of the 19th century. This Clanny style safety lamp employs a wire gauze and a glass globe surrounding the wick to protect the flame.
Description (Brief)
This safety lamp was manufactured by the American Safety Lamp and Mine Supply Company of Scranton, Pennsylvania in the latter half of the 19th century. This Clanny style safety lamp employs a wire gauze and a glass globe surrounding the wick to protect the flame. Safety lamps were invented in the early 19th century, and are used to this day for gas detection, even as mine lighting has been replaced by electric lights.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8769B
accession number
265669
catalog number
MHI-MN-8769B

Cymbidium Orchid Preserved in Plastic

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.A.7557
catalog number
A.7557
accession number
198812

Miner’s Safety Lamp

The Koehler Manufacturing Company produced this safety lamp during the 20th century. The lamp is marked “Permissible” meaning that it was approved for use by the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Mines.
Description (Brief)
The Koehler Manufacturing Company produced this safety lamp during the 20th century. The lamp is marked “Permissible” meaning that it was approved for use by the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Mines. This lamp employs glass enclosure to protect the flame from extinguishing, wire gauze in the top-interior to keep the flame from escaping, and a metal bonnet exterior that serves both purposes.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8765
catalog number
MHI-MN-8765
accession number
265669

Oil-Wick Miner’s Lamp Patent Model

This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by James C. Smythe of Plymouth, Pennsylvania that received patent number 204,628 on June 4, 1878.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by James C. Smythe of Plymouth, Pennsylvania that received patent number 204,628 on June 4, 1878. In his patent filing, Smythe claimed as his invention “a miner's lamp divided into an upper and a lower chamber, the latter forming the oil-reservoir, and provided with a small wick to convey the oil to the upper chamber and to a large wick passing from said upper chamber through the neck or tube of the lamp.” The dual chamber allowed use of the lighter oils in miners' lamps, by preventing excessive flow of oil to the spout.
Location
Currently not on view
patentee
Smythe, James C.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9743
accession number
88881
catalog number
MHI-MN-9743
patent number
204628

Miner's Safety lamp

This is a carbide mining lamp manufactured by the Friemann and Wolf Company, of Zwickau, Germany around 1910. The Friemann and Wolf Company was a prominent lamp manufacturer that exported lamps to the U.S. until World War I, when buying German items became unpopular.
Description (Brief)
This is a carbide mining lamp manufactured by the Friemann and Wolf Company, of Zwickau, Germany around 1910. The Friemann and Wolf Company was a prominent lamp manufacturer that exported lamps to the U.S. until World War I, when buying German items became unpopular. Worn on a miner's cap, the reflector behind the flame cast a wide range of light, improving the miner’s peripheral vision.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7761
catalog number
MHI-MN-7761
accession number
235037

Miner's Carbide Lamp

This lamp is a Dew-R-Lite hand lamp model, manufactured around the mid-1930’s by the Dewar Manufacturing Co. of Brooklyn, New York. Dewar produced carbide mining lamps from around 1914 until it was bought by the Wolf Safety Lamp Co. in the late 1930's.
Description (Brief)
This lamp is a Dew-R-Lite hand lamp model, manufactured around the mid-1930’s by the Dewar Manufacturing Co. of Brooklyn, New York. Dewar produced carbide mining lamps from around 1914 until it was bought by the Wolf Safety Lamp Co. in the late 1930's. Dewar was well known for its “I-T-P” (It’s Trouble Proof), Sun Ray, and Dew-R-Lite lamp brands.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8143
accession number
239148
catalog number
MHI-MN-8143

Wicker Mining Helmet

This wicker mining helmet was used in India. The prevalence of bamboo and rattan in India may be the reason this helmet was made of wicker instead of the plastic or leather helmets that were prevalent in the United States.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This wicker mining helmet was used in India. The prevalence of bamboo and rattan in India may be the reason this helmet was made of wicker instead of the plastic or leather helmets that were prevalent in the United States.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MI-1099.2
catalog number
MHI-MI-1099.2
accession number
1978.0288

Miner’s Cap Lamp

This oil-wick cap lamp was made by an unknown maker during the second half of the 19th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick cap lamp was made by an unknown maker during the second half of the 19th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout. The resulting flame was much brighter and more efficient than the candles it replaced. The hook enabled the lamp to be worn on a cap, or hooked onto any other suitable location.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9573A
catalog number
MHI-MN-9573A
accession number
282791

Engraved woodblock of "Climbing the Grand Canyon"

This engraved woodblock of “Climbing the Grand Canyon” was prepared by F. S.
Description
This engraved woodblock of “Climbing the Grand Canyon” was prepared by F. S. King and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1875 on page 98 of John Wesley Powell's Report of the Exploration of the Colorado River of the West and Its Tributaries. Explored in 1869, 1870, 1871, and 1872, under the direction of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Thomas Moran (1837-1926) was the original artist.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
1875
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Powell, John Wesley
original artist
Moran, Thomas
graphic artist
King, Francis Scott
maker
V. W. & Co.
ID Number
1980.0219.0474
accession number
1980.0219
catalog number
1980.0219.0474

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