362 SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.— D. 



Afternoon. 



Joint Discussion with Section H (Anthropology) on Genetics and Race 

 (Prof. H. J. Fleure, F.R.S. ; Dr. J. S. Huxley ; Dr. G. M. 

 Morant ; Prof. A. M. Carr- Saunders ; Prof. R. Ruggles Gates, 

 F.R.S. ; Prof. F. A. E. Crew). See p. 458. 



Saturday, September 12. 



Excursion to the Lake District and Wray Castle. 



Monday, September 14. 



Discussion on The function of the museum in zoology (10.0). 



Dr. D. A. Allan. 



General museums in Europe divide their material into that illustrative of 

 the Natural Sciences and the remainder illustrative of Archaeology and 

 Ethnology. In the first group, as regards both bulk and interest, zoology 

 is of prime importance, as can be seen in any of our larger museums. The 

 material is divided into preserved but unmounted study specimens for the 

 use of experts, and mounted, more or less life-like individuals and groups 

 exhibited for the general public. From the small habitat group has developed 

 the large diorama. Other exhibits include the life history series, the topical 

 show and economic zoology displays. Modern methods of preservation 

 and preparation, together with accurate and artistic taxidermy, have revolu- 

 tionised exhibits. The problem of the smaller museum, with its restricted 

 space and funds, is whether to concentrate on showing the fauna of the 

 district or to attempt to illustrate general zoology. Museums are the means 

 of teaching popular zoology, and of securing the rejuvenation of our Natural 

 History Societies. 



Mr. M. A. C. Hinton. 

 Prof. W. J. Dakin. 



Dr. A. C. Stephen. 



The new or projected exhibits of the Royal Scottish Museum may be used 

 as a basis for discussion regarding the kind of exhibit which attracts the 

 visitor. If large enough the zoological museum should certainly contain 

 a good collection of the local fauna, with special stress on any local industry, 

 such as fishing, etc. ; a series giving an introduction to classification ; 

 a series of biological exhibits and a popular palaeontological series. Each 

 hall or series of exhibits should serve as a handbook to the subject in 

 question, that is, should have a consistent story running through it ; be as 

 lavishly illustrated as possible (specimens, drawings, etc.) and be adequately 

 described (good and numerous labels). 



The exhibits of biology and palaeontology can be arranged with general 

 acceptance, but it is open to question whether the extensive systematic 

 collections so often shown should not be reduced and the surplus re- 

 arranged to illustrate special points of interest, such as geographical dis- 

 tribution, etc. It is doubtful whether the small museum which has no full 



