240 McDioj-ial of Gcot'ge Bi^ozvn Goode. 



a very small number of people each 3'ear, are now held in common owner- 

 ship and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands. 



In this connection the maintenance of museums should be especially 

 favored, because these, more than any other public agency, are invita- 

 tions to the wealthy owners of private treasures to give them in j^erpetuity 

 to the public. 



4. If it be possible to sum up in a single sentence the principles which 

 have been discussed in the present paper, this sentence would be phrased 

 in these words: The degree of civilization to which any nation, city, 

 or province has attained is best shown by the character of its public 

 museums and the liberality with which they are maintained. 



