discuss document export feedback print share Explore topics View by topic: Evolution All Archaeology Auckland and its people Auckland in the world Auckland Stories Design and decorative arts Documentary Heritage Ethnology Evolution Geography Geology History Māori Natural Sciences Our Environment Pacific Textiles War memorial Weapons World in Auckland Collection Information Access Te Reo Show more In praise of humble bonesThe Land Vertebrate collection at Auckland Museum has more than three thousand bones from mammals, reptiles and birds. But why are bones important? Thomas Cheeseman's window into Auckland's biological pastHidden behind the popular natural history displays at the Auckland Museum sits an even more important resource - a carefully catalogued library of Auckland bird and plant life. It provides a poignant window into Auckland’s biological past.