VISITORS AT THE MUSEUM 157 



and lastly, he was pursuing with an energy which 

 is very remarkable, considering all the various calls 

 on his time and thought, his own researches into 

 the history and structure of certain animals, notably 

 the horse and the whale. The writer of the 

 obituary notice, published in the year-book of the 

 Royal Society (No. 5, 1901), says: ** While main- 

 taining the high scientific reputation of the National 

 Museum, he continued to popularise the institution 

 and science by taking parties of working men 

 round the Museum on Saturdays, and occasionally 

 a distinguished visitor like Dr. Nansen or Pro- 

 fessor Virchoff would join the group. Also on 

 Sundays he would take a few busy men, whose 

 occupations prevented their being able to come on 

 week-days, himself unlocking the doors, so that no 

 'Sunday labour' was involved. In this way nearly 

 all the Judges were enabled to see the Museum 

 quietly on a Sunday afternoon, the venerable Lord 

 Hannen specially saying what delightful 'refresh- 

 ment ' it gave him after a hard week in the Law 

 Courts ! Many ambassadors and foreign ministers, 

 also artists, members of Parliament, and distin- 

 guished officers of the Army and Navy, were 

 glad to avail themselves of this privilege, Flower 

 himself explaining the Museum and showing the 

 latest additions ; and afterwards they would come on 

 to tea with Lady Flower in Stanhope Gardens. 

 He received many members of the Royal Family, 

 who honoured the Museum with their presence, 



