THE GLOVER MUSEUM. 



As has been stated in the biographical sketch of Mr. Glover's life, 

 the museum scheme was contemplated many years before it was realized. 

 Indeed its first inception dates back prior to 1850, before he had left his 

 home on the Hudson. Eegarding his collection of fruit models he 

 writes in 1866 : 



The design is to obtain from each State samples of the various fruits which have 

 beeu tried and proved ; to have them modeled here, retaining one copy to be added 

 to the national collection, and returning duplicates (and matrices), correctly named, 

 to each agricultural society. 



Fifteen years before this, in 1851, he made the proposition to the 

 Massachusetts Horticultural Society to do this same thing, and some 

 specimens were furnished, made from fruits sent to Mr. Glover by mem^ 

 bers of the society. Allusions to " the specimens for the New York 

 State Society," in a letter written at this period, also shows that the 

 idea was a very old one with its author. And all these early attemjits 

 at exhibition tended directly towards the museum idea. 



The first attempt to fully carry out the scheme was made in 1854, in 

 the single room which at that time constituted the Patent Office Bureau 

 of Agriculture; the fruit models being the chief display. At this 

 period they were his private property, though a year or two later the 

 proposition was made to dispose of them to the Government for $10,000. 

 The precise facts regarding early legislation on the subject can not be 

 given. But in 1858 we learn that Mr. Glover had seen a number of gen- 

 tlemen, whom he names; that "everything appears favorable ;" and 

 "that the bill" will be put on "as an amendment." Then we learn 

 of his showing the fruits to members of Congress, who approved of the 

 idea, and promised to vote for the purchase. Meanwhile he leaves 

 Washington for the field, and while pushing his investigations he 

 learns that the bill has been defeated by "Letcher and Marshall," of 

 Virginia. This characteristic entry follows : " Will remember them for 

 it. Intend to resign in the fall, and ofler to South Carolina or Mary- 

 land." Asa matter of history the bill was passed, though Mr. Glover 

 did not receive the money, through " misappropriation of funds." In 

 1867, however, the purchase was consummated, the sum of $10,000 be- 

 ing appropriated for the purpose, Hon. J. W. Stokes, then acting 

 Commissioner of Agriculture, having been instrumental in effecting its 

 passage. 



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