MSUN Collections E ven before entering the Science Center building on the Montana State University-Northern campus, the visitor is treated to viewing vestiges of this area's past. A large palm stump along the north entrance is proof of the once tropical climate in the area. A large sandstone block along the South entrance shows a large number of clam shells imbedded in it proof of the once inland seas that inundated this area in the distant past. Inside the main entrance is a full body mount of the now extinct Rocky Mountain sheep that Lewis and Clark and other early voyagers encountered in their voyages up the Missouri River. The animal was killed in 1900, the body mounted and put on display at the fabled Lou Lucke store in downtown Havre and moved to the Science Center when the store closed. A turn in the hallway to the right shows on the wall of the classroom, a cast of an almost complete skeleton of a plesiosaur found in the area and representative of the shallow and tropical seas that once occupied this area. Continuing down the North hallway, the visitor will see a large variety of other fossil materials in the display cases along the wall. More fossils including the preserved bones of an ice age Elephant grace some of the exhibits on the north end of the second floor display cases. An extensive collection of Native American clothing and artifacts are displayed along the South end of the 2nd floor hallway. The collection was made in the 1930's and donated to the college. Descending the stairs at the south end of the building brings the visitor to displays containing an extentive collection of local birds done by Northern Montana College Science Students in the 1960's. Adjacent classrooms have more bird specimens along with an assortment of other local animals. A large exhibit back in the hallway, displays more fossils and some of the rocks unique to the nearby Bear's Paw Mountains. Viewing of the collections is possible during regular hours of University system operation. Classes in session however, may not be disturbed. Guided tours can be obtained by contacting Science department personnel in advance.