MUSEUMS. 7 AT 
would serve not only to demonstrate the inter-relation of the 
Natural Sciences, but also enable the visitors to get a clear 
grasp of what the institution is aiming at. I subsequently had 
_ many conversations with fellow-curators, in which the scheme 
was favourably discussed. Professor Bashford Dean, of the 
American Museum of Natural History, was especially interested 
and enthusiastic. ‘ Nothing so comprehensive has as yet been 
attempted,’ he said, and he will watch the development of the 
scheme with great interest. 
‘** T also had the opportunity of meeting Mr. J. Bailey, of the 
Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington, who has 
charge of the Government Grants-in-Aid Fund, and of 
discussing with him the conditions and arrangements whereby 
pecuniary grants up to half the amount are made to museums 
for the purchase of certain classes of specimens. Up to the 
present no advantage has been taken of these grants im 
Liverpool, but I hope to bring the matter before the Committee 
at an early date. 
“IT found of great advantage the opportunity, afforded by 
these conferences extending over several days, of meeting and 
exchanging views with fellow-curators, and these informal 
discussions and conversations are of at least equal importance 
with the more formal business of the meeting. 
‘Visits were paid to Worthing Museum, to the Hastings 
Museum, the Sedlescombe Museum, the two Brighton Museums 
and Battle Abbey.’’ 
2.— ACQUISITIONS. 
A. LORD DERBY MUSEUM. 
VERTEBRATES— 
a Porifera. 
Presented : 
Mass of Encrusting Sponge from Hilbre, collected a: 
_ Two Sponges, from Stromness, by Mr. ae Ellison, Loudon 
Grove, Liverpool. 
