116-(86) THE WORK OF THE SCIENTIFIC SECTION. 



pie of a country museum." But this is the description 

 of a curiosity shop, a description of exactly that which 

 a scientific museum should not be. 



In regard to the precise system of classification to be 

 adopted, opinions, even among the ablest naturalists do 

 not seem to be unanimous. On this point, however, no 

 anxiety need be felt by us so long as our museum can 

 command the services of its present accomplished cura- 

 tor. Not so in regard to the material which shall com- 

 pose it. On this point the opinions of the best natural- 

 ists and educators seem to be in perfect accord. It is 

 agreed that not everything curious ; not everything 

 which happens to have a history or an association ; not 

 even everything which has intrinsic value, is a fit speci- 

 men for the shelves of a scientific museum. If received 

 at all, such specimens should be thrown together in an 

 alcove set apart for curiosities. Even then the very 

 large space required for the display of appropriate ob- 

 jects should inspire caution against the reception of such 

 as are not. 



A local museum should contain "an arranged series 

 of well preserved specimens representing as many of the 

 remarkable types of living forms as are obtainable ; a se- 

 ries of useful as well as noxious plants and animals ; of 

 economic products derived from the vegetable and ani- 

 mal kingdoms ; and a complete and accurately named 

 series of the flora and the fauna of the neighborhood," 

 (Dr. Ghinther). There should also be a complete series 

 of specimens illustrating geological history, and the dis- 

 tribution of minerals, especially those of the surrounding 

 country. 



Dr. Hooker, in his British Association Address, in 

 1868, as well as Dr. Gunther, already quoted, makes it 

 a principal requirement that a local museum shall con- 

 tain a complete collection of the animals, plants, and 

 minerals, of its neighborhood. Indeed, such a collection 

 is the chief glory of any local museum which contains it. 

 Moreover, it has this additional advantage for us, that 

 the materials for it lie all around, within reach, waiting 

 to be gathered, while those from foreign grounds must 

 be obtained chiefly by the slow process of exchange, or 

 the uncertain method of purchase. To acquire such a 



