10 MUSEUMS. 
unique and typical species procured by Lord Derby's collectors in 
many regions of the globe then quite unexplored. It also possesses 
the historical series of birds collected in the Pacific Islands during - 
the great voyage of the illustrious Captain Cook, as well as those 
obtained by Sir Joseph Hooker during Sir James Ross’s Antarctic 
expedition in the years 1839-43. 
“All these formed part of Lord Derby’s rich bequest, for whose 
reception the original building was erected in 1856 by the generosity 
of the late Sir William Brown, Bart. 
“This splendid Natural History Museum has continued from 
year to year to receive large accessions through the kindness of the 
sons of Liverpool resident or travelling abroad, also from the 
Officers of our Mercantile Marine, as well as by purchase. 
“The accumulation of these valuable specimens demanded 
increased space for their exhibition, and the Corporation has there- 
fore erected these spacious galleries. 
“Our Director, Dr. Forbes, while he has arranged the general 
collection for the benefit of the student of science and the specialist, 
has also displayed a considerable section in a more popular form 
which will attract and prove instructive to the general public, and 
will, we hope, result in awaking a greater interest in the study of 
Nature. 
“The Committee are gratified that they have been able to more 
closely associate with them representatives of the University, and 
they hope that the Museums may prove of much value in assisting 
and advaneing the work of that Institution. 
“ The Museums now opened contain the largest and most complete 
Natural History and Ethnographical Collections in the Provinces, 
and the Committee venture to hope that they will not only prove 
entertaining and interesting, but will contribute to that higher 
education which the country has determined shall be placed within 
the reach of all.” 
