1887-1888.] 27 



the Botanic Garden, and authorised to expend such a sum for 

 the ground as they might consider advisable, and as the funds 

 would admit. An annual sum of £$0 was also voted for the 

 purchase of apparatus, specimens, books, &c. From this time 

 onward frequent entries appear of donations to the Museum, 

 and a document, which unfortunately is not dated, but bears 

 evidence of its issue about this time, was] prepared, giving 

 detailed directions as to the means of preserving Natural 

 History specimens, and the transmission of seeds and plants. 



The preamble of the circular is as follows : — 



" From the most savage state of man, to the most civilized, a knowledge of nature 

 has been indispensibly necessary. The Savage, by studying the habits and instinct of 

 Animals, was enabled either to combat them with success, or render them subservient 

 to his will. The civilized man extending his views, not only derives from this 

 knowledge, security, food, and clothing, but even turns it to the gratification of his 

 luxuries. 



" Enlightened men of every nation, ranking a knowledge of the productions of 

 nature among the most important objects of pursuit, have therefore endeavoured to 

 facilitate this study, by preserving specimens, and making collections of Animals, 

 Vegetables, and Fossils, in places adapted for their exhibition, wherein the Student 

 might acquire a knowledge of their structure, and going abroad among the fields and 

 woods, cultivate and extend those rudiments acquired in the Museum, or Botanic 

 Garden ; enjoying by these means, that pleasure which the possession of knowledge 

 always bestows, and be enabled ultimately to confer lasting benefits on his country. 

 At the present time, when the value of this species of knowledge is so well known, 

 and cultivated with so much ardour, the Conductors of The Belfast Academical Institution 

 have accordingly turned their attention to the forming of a Museum, and Botanic 

 Garden j aware that without these necessary appendages to every extensive seat of 

 learning, their scheme must be incomplete. From the attention of many friends to 

 the Institution, in sending a great variety of rare Fossils, Minerals, and other Natural 

 and Artificial Curiosities, the Managers are led to believe, that if the exertions of its 

 numerous friends could be directed to the most easy methods of collecting and 

 preserving specimens, they would soon be able to exhibit a useful collection to the 

 student j and under this impression, they hope that the publication of the following 

 methods of preserving Beasts, Birds, Fishes, and Insects, and^transmitting Seeds and 

 I'lants, may be the means of facilitating the endeavours of those interested in the 

 success of the Institution. And thus the same laudable spirit of emulation which has 

 already characterised the promoters of The Belfast Academical Institution, may again 

 still appear conspicuous." 



Unfortunately the subscriptions to the Institution, large as 

 they were, did not admit, as has been already stated, of the 



