208 Transactions of the 



I might quote many other doubtful objects, but I presume the 

 above are sufficient to support the principle that the most pro- 

 nounced feature of a specimen is that which ought to rule its 

 position in the cabinet. 



5, Cahinets. — On a choice of these so much depends on the 

 intention and tastes of the individual, and the nature of the collection 

 itself, that no rule or recommendation on my part can be given 

 which would meet the conceptions and wishes of every amateur 

 microscopist or professed histologist. I shall discuss the subject, 

 nevertheless, in its broader aspect ; that is to say, on such grounds 

 as may be of general interest, or lead others to make suggestions 

 on what at present there is no very definite standard or agreement 

 upon. 



The dimensions of a cabinet is a matter concerning economy, 

 convenience of space, and the conception the collector intends to 

 fulfil. If the numbers of slides are likely to be or already are very 

 extensive, then large-sized cabinets are in some respects most 

 advantageous. At the same time they are not free from serious 

 drawbacks. 



Among the advantages are : — 



1. Stability when well made. 



2. Easiness of access and reference to groups of specimens. 



3. Less danger of the specimens being injured from shifting 

 about. 



4. General roominess. 



Objections to them include: — 



1. Expensiveness. 



2. Eequirements of space. 



3. Awkwardness and difficulty (from weight, &c.) in their being 

 shifted about. 



4. The labour of rearrangement is great when one department 

 becomes overstocked. 



Thus it follows that according as each of these qualities has 

 weight with those who pronounce judgment, so will the balance in 

 favour of or the reverse be arrived at. 



Smaller-sized cabinets, while deficient in solidity, roominess, &c., 

 have still several points of recommendation. 



1. They are, cieteris paribus, less expensive, 



2. Their size is convenient, . inasmuch as space and change of 

 place or plan is involved. 



3. They are more readily arranged. 



4. They admit of their number being augmented agreeably 

 to the increase of the collection. 



