MISCELLANEA 
SCIENCE IN THE PROVINCES, 
THE NORTHAMPTON SCIENTIFIC FESTIVAL. 
ESIDENTS in the metropolis, unless they frequently visit the 
country, are little aware of the rapid strides which science is 
making in our provincial towns, of the number of votaries it enlists, and 
of the powerful influence exercised by these upon their less-informed neigh- 
bours, who have hitherto been completely absorbed in trading pursuits, 
but into whose minds the man of science is now beginning to infuse some- 
what of his own intelligence and enthusiasm. 
And not alone do the provincial associations elevate the taste and 
instruct the minds of those resident in their own immediate neighbour- 
hood, but already they are to some extent contributing to the general 
fund of useful information by local exhibitions, and the results of local 
research. 
A wise step has recently been taken by the department of science and 
art, in allowing the “ Travelling Museum” of science to circulate through- 
out the country ; and better still will it be if this museum be made to 
partake of the nature of a large snow-ball, and to gather substance as it 
rolls ; for there is no doubt that most of the localities in which it is likely 
to be exhibited, would be both able and willing to send contributions to 
the central repertory of knowledge.* 
But to return to our local institutions. About this time last year there 
was exhibited in St. George’s Hall, Liverpool, about as excellent a collec- 
tion of objects of natural history as we have ever seen in any provincial 
city in England, and everything possible was done to lend a charm to the 
exhibition. 
So far as our memory serves, all the objects (with two or three trifling 
exceptions) were the property of private individuals, or public institutions, 
in the town and its vicinity. The Botanic Gardens sent its plants ; the 
Museums of the town their stuffed animals and aquaria ; local collectors 
exhibited their shells, minerals, and flowers ; local fair ones provided 
refreshments and decorations ; local prowess lent its martial strains to 
charm the ear ; and local philosophers added their efforts to give a lasting 
aim to the exhibition, by delivering short addresses on scientific subjects. 
Unfortunately “ we” had at that time not yet seen daylight, and were 
* It may not be generally known that the Committee of Council on 
Education have recently authorized the consignment of objects for exhi- 
bition in connection with the demonstrations of science classes, &c., in 
country towns. We are not acquainted with the conditions on which the 
“ museum” is sent, but this information may be had on application to 
the Secretary, South Kensington. 
