32 PROMOTING "NATURE STUDY" IN SCHOOLS,
Each shows what has been done by previous workers, and points to what new
workers may do. Each is a means of diffusing scientific knowledge. For our
purpose, however, we must make the sharp distinction that a Nature-Study
exhibition illustrates methods, a museum illustrates results. Hence in education
the exhibition, in science the museum, is of the greater importance.
How far can the two purposes be combined? How far can the Club's
Museums at Stratford and Chingford be of service for educational as well as
scientific purposes? As museums they are invaluable to naturalists engaged in
studying the natural history and archaeology of Essex and in scientific research.
Might they as exhibitions serve for educating the rising generation?
At Stratford already a good deal has been done to render the museum
educational as well as scientific, specimens being mounted, drawings made, and
explanatory tablets and labels shown in a way suitable for the elementary'
student. Indeed, as it stands, the Essex Natural History Museum is very Well
adapted for classes for school teachers, and I hope that we shall shortly see full
use being made of it.
For scholars I do not think we can expect very much more use to be made of
it as a museum. But many of you will be aware that there is a room attached
to the Museum, which is occasionally used for exhibition purposes, though,
curiously enough, in arts and crafts, and not Natural History, I should like to
see this room periodically used for Nature-Study exhibitions of the schools in
West Ham, and perhaps even of the East End of London and the neighbouring
parts of Essex, and I think that the Club might take some lead in promoting
such exhibitions.
As to the Epping Forest Museum at Chingford, its educational purpose has
always been kept in view, and gradually emphasised. A beginning has been made
in preparing specimens suitably to aid Nature-Study in the Forest, and since its
foundation 14 years ago, the Hon. Curators (Messrs. W., B. G., and H. A-
Cole) have maintained an exhibition of from 30 to 40 seasonal wild flowers in
summer, and twigs with buds of trees in winter in fulfilment of the same idea.
From first to last the Club has expended about £400 in the establishment and
equipment of this museum, but to develop it further in this direction requires a
further sum of £200 to £300; if funds were forthcoming, and a scheme for
efficient maintenance could be established, the possibilities are almost boundless.
With land for outdoor culture of forest flowers and trees, with the two handsome
rooms devoted to the natural history of Epping Forest, the exhibits and
specimens being so arranged that "all who run may read," the museum might
be the centre at which every Nature-Study Class and amateur student or lover of
nature would gather on their way to or from a ramble in the forest.
Even in the present imperfect condition, it is surprising to find how many
hundreds of visitors and scholars visit the Museum.
I am a profound believer in the value of Nature-Study as providing healthy
interest and mental culture, and thus acting on the moral and intellectual
welfare of our people. You may say—that is no concern of the Club. Very
well; that is easily said; but if we want to promote Natural History we must
raise up keen naturalists, we must begin with the young. There are many grey
heads among us. What provision are we making for the future of the Club?
(Loud applause.)