11 



REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND 

 CURATORS OF THE MUSEUM. 



At the commencement of the year 1825, while yet the 

 Pliilosojjhical and Literary Institution was in its infancy, cer- 

 tain of ils Members conceived the idea of establislwng a Mu- 

 seum, as the most desirable means of diffusing information on 

 various subjects connected with general knowledge, and more 

 especially with the several departments of Natural History. 



In a short time, and before any actual formation existed, 

 an opportunity occurred of obtaining the Collection of IVlr» 

 Crow, who had expended a long life in the acquisition of 

 Fossils, and to which some other miscellaneous articles were 

 appended. 



With a degree of enthusiasm which must ever be applauded, 

 some Members of the Institution pledged themselves to the 

 payment of an annuity to Mr. Crow, to become possessed of 

 his Specimens. Thus a basis was formed for a more general 

 arrangement, and the detail of the Society's proceedings will 

 ahew the means taken for its bcconiin(; more generally useful. 



It was considered that when once the knowledge of such a 

 Collection existed — devoted to the public — that public would 

 not lung remain indifferent, but that the small collection wouM 



