7 he Aims and Scope of a Provincial Museum. 



3i 



different manner from that adopted hitherto. Formerly all the 

 articles made of glass, for instance, were grouped together in one 

 or more cases. In a similar manner were treated the china and 

 pottery ware, the metal work, and the jewellery. This method of 

 exhibition had been found to tire the visitor, who was unable to 

 assimilate and derive the desired benefit from this great feast of 

 knowledge that was spread before his eyes in unattractive profu- 

 sion. A few of the best objects belonging to a certain period 

 were now selected and placed together. In this way small rooms, 

 suitably decorated, had been completely equipped with furniture, 

 pictures, glass, china, and metal ware, so as to produce very 

 pleasing as well as instructive effects. Whatever method of 

 exhibition might be adopted, overcrowding should be avoided. 

 It was far better to place an indifferent art object into the reserve 

 collection than to deprive the valuable specimens of the space 

 necessary for their just appreciation. A good picture especially 

 should have plenty of room, so that visitors might be able to 

 concentrate their attention on this single object. Although, as he 

 had remarked, the principal aim of every museum should be 

 popular instruction, it was clearly their duty to endeavour to raise 

 the aesthetic sense of the people. In all exhibits, whether they 

 belonged to science or art, they should constantly bear in mind 

 that instruction should be combined with good taste. Now the 

 background of a case or wall, or the lining of a box or case, which 

 was to show off the specimens was a very important item of 

 museum technique. As regarded the texture of the background, 

 it occurred to him that in a city like Belfast more might be made 

 out of the linen cloth. It could be largely adopted for that 

 purpose, using different qualities and shades for the various classes 

 of exhibits that they had to deal with. Another important subject 

 the curator had to deal with were the cases. It would be 

 preferable if they could do without them, but as long as their 

 museums were entirely free to the public and open to anyone, 

 they must guard their property against injur)' or loss. 'J'he c^reat 



