LIFE OF FLOWER 81 



humpbacks, and finners, on the other ; and in order to 

 emphasise this essential distinction, he caused the skele- 

 tons and models of the one group to be mounted with 

 their heads in one direction, while those of the second 

 were turned the opposite way. 



Although it was found impossible to obtain a 

 skeleton of the Greenland right-whale, Flower was 

 able to persuade Captain Gray, a well-known whaler, 

 to carve a miniature model in wood, which gives an 

 excellent idea of the proportions, especially the huge 

 size of the head and mouth, of this interesting 

 species. Sketches on the walls of the building 

 illustrate the habits and mode of capture of the sperm- 

 whale, while others serve to show the bodily form 

 of species not yet represented by models. 



At the time it was opened this exhibit was 

 absolutely unique ; and, in the belief of the writer, 

 it remains so to the present day. Unfortunately, the 

 size and design of the building, which has a row 

 of wooden posts down the middle, are such as greatly 

 to interfere with the proper effect of the specimens 

 exhibited ; and it is much to be hoped that means will 

 be found to erect a larger gallery, of a more permanent 

 nature, which will not only allow the contents of the 

 present structure to be adequately seen, but will likewise 

 leave space to permit of models of other species, such 

 as the humpback whale, to be added to the series. 



Hitherto I have dwelt exclusively upon Sir William's 

 efforts to improve the museum under his charge, from 

 the point of view of the general public, that is to say, as 

 an institution for the exhibition of natural history 

 specimens. It must, however, be always remembered that 



