542 



REPOKT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1903. 



labels, each illustrated by a well-selected specimen," which is what an 

 ideal museum should be according to the oft- repeated, clever, but para- 

 doxical and erroneous, definition by G. Brown Goode in Washing-ton, 

 In cosequence of this, it has little attraction for the general public, 

 since the scientific atmosphere of the museum is not popularly pleas- 

 ing. (During 1898-99 the attendance on week days was 30 to 372; on 

 Saturdays and Sundays, 40 to 450; and the largest attendance for the 

 year, on Easter Monday, was 952.) Especially well represented are 

 the lower animals. The conchological collection is noteworthy. In 

 the ornithological department I note, among others, 10,000 skins, the 

 famous Dresser collection, which served as a basis for his ornitholoc-- 



FiG. 87. — Owuiis College, Manchester, England, Manchester Museum. Second floor and galleries. 



leal works (Pahearctic Birds, Bee-Platers and Rakes). This is well 

 installed by itself in cabinets with drawers, but is exposed to danger 

 from fire by reason of being housed in the attic, which is not fire- 

 proof and contains nnich wood. This attic has onl}' recently been 

 added for the purpose. The ethnographical and anthropological col- 

 lection is only in its infanc}^ (Egypt, Peru, etc.), and is as yet stingily 

 treated, on account of lack of funds. The library of the museum 

 comprises 4,000 volumes and has a printed catalogue. The library of 

 Owens College has 62,000 volumes and the school of medicine has 

 31,700 medical books. 



There are employed six trained scientific men, one printer, three 

 assistants, and two attendants. There are no preparators, all stuffing 



