ON NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMS. 17
coast of our county. A chart shows the physical conditions of
the North Sea, whilst a large series of coloured plates, from
Couch's work, serves further to illustrate the local ichthyology.
Let the anglers in the Essex rivers never forget that certain
freshwater fishes are still wanted to complete the collection ; and,
I believe, that some of the less common marine species are also
needed.
In a glass case ou the left of the entrance an attempt is made
to illustrate the Amphibians and Reptiles of Essex. A fairly com-
plete set of the Mammals of Essex, with skulls and skeletons of
many species, is at present placed in the Small Hall, near the
Curator's Room. The Birds of Essex are represented by a series
of stuffed specimens in the glass cases which run round the walls
of the museum, whilst these birds are associated in many cases
with their nests and eggs, forming groups which offer an
interesting insight into local bird-life. Many of the ornithological
specimens are due to the generosity of Dr. Laver, of Colchester,
who has also presented valuable collections of local lepidoptera
and land and fresh-water shells.
It is the intention of the Curator to collect a series of speci-
mens of local interest, in illustration of Economic Zoology,
including especially the Mollusca and Crustacea which come into
London from the estuary of the Thames and other parts of the
Essex coast. Such a collection would do much to excite an
interest in familiar objects, and might be useful as serving to
show the visitor that science does not stand aloof from the
incidents of daily life.
In the Small Hall, to which reference has been made above,
there is now exhibited a small collection of Prehistoric and other
Antiquities, including many objects of local interest, especially the
relics from the Dene-holes, the Red Hills, and the settlement at
Braintree. Further reference to these is rendered unnecessary,
however, by the excellent descriptions in the little handbook by
Mr. F. W. Reader.17 Although scarcely coming within the scope
of a museum mainly devoted to natural history, I should like to
see our museum possess a Technological Department, in which the
industries of Essex should be illustrated, especially those which
are extinct or tending to extinction.
17 A Handbook to the Collection of Prehistoric Objects in the Essex Museum of Natural
History. By F. W. Reader. B