CORRESPONDING SOCIETIES OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION, 125
usually originated them. Moreover, the placing of these institutions
entirely under the control of such public bodies might tend to stereo-
typing them, the country through, into "cut and dried" collections
of "educational type specimens" in connection with technical class-
rooms, and thereby possibly destroy the primary function of county
museums, which is to gather together authentic series of local
specimens, whether of a "natural history," geological, or ethno-
logical character, so as ultimately to establish collections of
permanent scientific value, and of the greatest interest to every
intelligent resident and visitor. But the funds of almost all societies
of naturalists were so small that the main hindrance to the develop-
ment of a museum was a want of money, which suggested a want of
permanence. By a small grant towards the cost of a curator, or for
some similar purpose, obtainable only while the museum remained
efficient, a County Council might do very much to render a museum
permanent and efficient without diminishing the interest of individual
naturalists in its welfare and development.
Mr. Coates (Perthshire) stated that at Perth they were building a
large addition to their Museum, and had applied for aid both from the
Town Council and the County Council. They had obtained a grant
from the County Council on the condition that they should provide
specimens suitable for agricultural teaching. These specimens
would be used for lectures and demonstrations, and they had been
advised that they could not otherwise obtain the grant.
Mr. Seward (Cardiff) was anxious to learn, if possible, what
things purchased for a museum with the view of making it more
attractive and useful to the poorer classes could be legally purchased
under the Act.
Sir John Evans replied that he supposed the best authority in
these cases was the Science and Art Department, at South Kensington.
The following resolution was eventually proposed by Sir Douglas
Galton, seconded by Dr. Brett, and carried unanimously :
" That in the opinion of this Conference it is desirable that local Natural
History Societies and those in charge of local museums should place themselves
in communication with the Technical Instruction Committee of the County or
Borough in which they are placed, with the view of obtaining pecuniary grants
towards extending technical knowledge by means of lectures or by demonstra-
tions in museums."
The Second Conference took place on August 14th.
On the subject of Meteorological Photography, Mr. Clayden,.