vi THE BOOTH MUSEUM, BRIGHTON 73 



advise the Trustees to take it over. I received, however, an 

 intimation that the Corporation of Brighton was not only 

 willing, but most anxious to take charge of the collection, 

 and to maintain it. Although it would have been a great 

 privilege to me to have been its official guardian, I rejoice 

 to think that it is going to remain here, and that you 

 have expressed your determination to maintain it for the 

 benefit of your fellow-townsmen and for visitors. The great 

 central national collections are the fitting repositories of 

 many specimens of natural objects and works of art. Such 

 as are unique, and such as are necessary for the researches 

 of advanced students who require facilities for their investiga- 

 tions which can only be obtained by the direct comparison of 

 a large series of specimens one with another, ought to be in 

 them. But, on the other hand, the more collections like this 

 adapted for general instruction are to be met with in 

 other great centres of population, the better it will be for the 

 welfare of the country generally. Apart from the fact that 

 the collection was made at Brighton, and a large number of 

 the birds in it obtained in the immediate neighbourhood, 

 Brighton seems to be a particularly suitable place for preserving 

 a museum like this. You have a vast number of visitors, who 

 come for the purpose of seeking repose or health, for whom 

 such a light, interesting, and easy occupation as is afforded 

 by learning what this museum can teach, ought to be the 

 best that can be found. It only needs to be better known to be 

 very much more widely appreciated than it has been hitherto. 

 In conclusion, I feel sure that I am expressing the feelings of 

 friends around me who are interested in the advancement of 

 the Natural History sciences, and of many more who are 

 unable on account of other engagements to be present, in 

 thanking the Mayor and Corporation for asking us to come to 

 this interesting meeting, and in congratulating them on 

 possessing such a valuable addition to the many attractions of 

 the town. 



