46 The National Collection 



The collection was temporarily deposited in the club house of the Union Club, 

 Victoria, and for several years was displayed upon its walls. To all sportsmen 

 and naturalists who visited Victoria, the "Reed Collection" was shown as one 

 of the notable sights of the city. 



Finally, in 1905, Mr. Reed left Victoria, and again took up his residence 

 in England ; and the final disposal of his collection became a serious question. 

 It became apparent that because of the impossibility of keeping it with him, or 

 even near him, it would be best to sell it, provided a satisfactory purchaser 

 should appear. The price first fixed for it was $10.000.00. Later on that was 

 reduced to $6,000.00, and at that figure the collection very narrowly escaped 

 being fatally sold in 1905. 



For several years the "Reed Collection," in Victoria, was longingly re- 

 garded by many persons on this side of America. It was offered to two or 

 three museums, but fortunately none of them manifested any practical interest 

 in its purchase. By a strange combination of circumstances, all tending in the 

 same direction, it was reserved for the National Collection; and furthermore, 

 the National Collection was founded barely in the nick of time to secure it! 



In the spring of 1907, immediately following the issue of Part I of this 

 publication, Mr. Madison Grant and the writer resolved to put forth as much 

 effort as might be found necessary to secure by popular subscription a fund 

 sufficient to purchase the "Reed Collection." Mr. Reed was at once located 

 and addressed, and an option was asked for, at $5,000.00 for the lot, leaving out 

 the bear skins. Mr. Reed replied that he would not like to divide the collec- 

 tion in any way, and in view of the important object for which the collection 

 was desired, we might have the whole of it for $5,000.00 ! It is unnecessary to 

 remark, after this statement, that Mr. Reed is unquestionably a true sports- 

 man. 



At this juncture, Mr. Emerson McMillin, of New York, banker, art 

 connoisseur, big-game hunter and member of the Camp-Fire Club of America, 

 intimated to the writer his desire to do something for the National Collection. 

 When the proposal regarding the purchase of the "Reed Collection" was fully 

 placed before him, without an instant's hesitation he said, "You buy the collec- 

 tion, have it brought on to New York, and I will pay both cost and carriage." 



It is not only right and just, but also necessary, in accordance with the 

 eternal fitness of things, that henceforth this matchless collection and gift shall 

 be known to the world as the REED-McMILLIN COLLECTION. 



