H. G. FOEDDAM ON LOCAL MUSEUMS. 219 



produced a superabundance of some classes of objects, representing 

 particular sciences, or branches of science, to the exclusion of other 

 classes. To obviate this it would be very desirable to set on foot a 

 good system of exchange, by which a greater diffusion of specimens 

 and uniformity of character might be obtained, with very great 

 benefit generally. In forming an educational museum a small 

 library of text-books ought to be an invariable accompaniment of 

 each set of specimens illustrating a branch of science, so that infor- 

 mation on all necessary points may be at hand. It would be well 

 if lectures could be arranged on the various sciences, so as to draw 

 attention to, and explain the contents of the museum. 



The local scientific society would as a matter of course be the 

 moving power in the formation of a local museum, and would be in 

 a position to arrange for lectures and papers. Indeed it would be 

 a natural work for a local society, and one which would help to 

 bind the members together in working for a common object of 

 undoubted utility. 



Private collections and museums should be subject to the same 

 general principles as public museums. It seems almost a pity that 

 an indi-^-idual should attempt to make a general collection of all sorts 

 of things, as some people do. Although they may feel great 

 interest in a miscellaneous collection, they can never really achieve 

 anything valuable as a whole in this way ; while by making such 

 a special collection as they are peculiarly fitted to do, either on 

 account of the products of the locality in which they live, or their 

 own special studies in a department of science, they may confer 

 great benefits on science. 



I sometimes think that we who take a more or less strong inter- 

 est in science do not always make the most of our opportunities for 

 increasing knowledge. Are we always reasonably vigilant lest 

 science should suffer any detriment through our neglect ? I think 

 that each one in his own neighbourhood should keep on the look- 

 out for facts and specimens to further his particular branch of 

 science. For instance, a geologist ought to note and examine all 

 excavations in his neighbourhood. If this were generally done 

 much might be learned. As it is, many temporary sections are 

 made, and lost, without any note being made of what they show. 

 Similarly in other branches of science much information is lost for 

 want of persons willing to record simple facts as they come to light. 



In reference to Hertfordshire and our work in the county, I 

 ■will point out what, I think, might be kept in view by this Society. 



In the first place, an investigation should be made into the 

 position and condition of the museums at present established in the 

 county. For the information of investigators it would be well to 

 prepare a catalogue of contents, showing in a rough way what 

 particular branches of science are represented in the museums, both 

 public and private, in the county. Such a table of contents would 

 be valuable as showing where to go to examine collections of any 

 particular class of specimens. Having obtained some general 

 information, the Society, through its individual members, or as a 



