548 Natural History in the English Counties : — 



rapidly that these premises were inadequate to contain them 

 in a manner in which they could be inspected to advantage, 

 he resolved upon the arduous task of engaging the Institution 

 Rooms, in Temple Row. This elegant suite of rooms had 

 been erected by the Associated Artists, as exhibition rooms, 

 and had then become vacant by a union having taken place 

 between the former body and the members of the Society of 

 Arts. In this establishment, he has applied himself success- 

 fully to conchology and mineralogy, in both of which branches' 

 he possesses the most splendid specimens ; and these, in 

 addition to a great variety of rare miscellaneous objects, cer- 

 tainly constitute a subject upon which the eye may dwell, and 

 the mind contemplate, with a satisfaction at once pure, ra- 

 tional, and in the highest degree gratifying. 



The large room in which the collection is now opened to 

 the public is 50 ft. long, by 25 ft. wide, lofty in proportion, 

 and lighted from above by five lights on each side, inclining 

 at such an angle as to exhibit pictures to the greatest advan- 

 tage, and therefore in the highest degree adapted for the 

 purposes of a museum of natural history. The cases of 

 British insects are ranged down the centre of the room, 

 forming the appearance of a desk, inclining each way \xi 

 such a manner as to meet the eye ; upwards of twenty large 

 cases of foreign insects are similarly placed across the end, 

 and on one of the sides ; and more than thirty similar cases 

 of minerals and shells fill the other side ; the cases of birds 

 occupying the walls. 



I may now take the opportunity of mentioning that Mr. 

 Weaver's undertaking has received in its support the patron- 

 age of some branches of the royal family, many of the neigh- 

 bouring nobility and gentry, with a tolerably extensive list of 

 subscribers ; and that he is anxious to have it understood that 

 he will feel himself honoured by the presence of any scientific 

 gentlemen who may by chance pass through the town, to 

 inspect his collection, and make such a report of it in their 

 respective localities as they may deem it entitled to, according 

 to the time and the means which have been brought into 

 operation in forming it. 



In addition to the above, Mr. Weaver has been honoured 

 by the distinguished patronage of the Zoological Society, in a 

 grant of twenty-four rare birds, presented through the medium 

 of Mr. Vigors, by a vote of the Council; and for which mark 

 of especial favour and encouragement of science, he is anxious 

 to make every public acknowledgment in his power to that 

 learned and liberal body. I am, Sir, yours, &c. — J, Wallace, 

 Birmingham^ Nov. 28. 1831. 



