museums. 59 



external characters of cadi (hail*, feathers, scales, &c); modifications 



of form and structure adapted to different habits of life (legs, wings. 

 webbed feet, swimming tail), &.c. In succeeding- cases correspond- 

 ingly arranged are series of skeletons : bisected skulls and skeletons ; 

 dissections of general abdominal viscera : injections showing blood 

 circulations; dissections of nervous systems; models of brains, &c, 

 of each vertebrate type, each series being accompanied by a descrip- 

 tive label, drawing special attention, in as simple language as 

 possible, to the points of agreement and contrast. Commencing with 

 the mammalia, its different orders are treated in a similar manner 

 along the opposite side of the room. 



(b) The arrangements made for the conveyance of museum speci- 

 mens to the children may conveniently be divided into two sections — 

 (a) by means of circulating cabinets, containing groups of Natural 

 History or other specimens, which are correlated one with the other. 

 and arranged, as far as possible, so as to convey a definite lesson of 

 educational value — what has been described as a small circulating 

 museum; and (b) the formation of a Loan Collection, from which 

 specimens are lent out as applied for by the teachers. 



(a) It was in the year 188-1 that the Museums Committee first 

 sanctioned the formation of circulating cabinets of Natural History, 

 for the use of schools, and in consultation with the School Board and 

 other School Managers a working scheme was organised for their 

 periodical circulation. 



The cabinets are of the plainest character, made of deal, 

 strengthened by small black metal clasps, with a hanging down 

 handle on each side, by which they may he conveniently carried in 

 an upright position. The majority measure 17 inches long, 17| 

 inches high, and 12| inches deep — a size which is found convenient 

 for most of the specimens. Vertebrates, however, require a larger 

 size, and for them cabinets measuring 32 inches long, 17 inches high 

 and 1G inches deep are found necessary. Sliding days with a raised 

 rim fit into grooves fixed on the inner side of the cabinet, and in these 

 trays the specimens are contained in boxes which are of multiple 

 sizes, fitting the trays. When the specimens are such as cannot be 

 handled without fear of damage, they are placed in a glass topped 



