15
lower groups of plants, such as Fungi and Algae, coloured models
will be required. These would cost from one to three guineas
each, and as some scores would be needed, these groups alone
would represent a very considerable outlay. An adequate
students series of Vertebrates and Invertebrates, Plants and
Fossils would certainly occupy 500 cabinet drawers, and those
would cost about 18s. each. Again, specimens lose half their
educational value if the student cannot have access to really
good monographs of the several groups of the British fauna and
flora, and it is estimated that a set of these (supplemental to the
library of such books already in the Club's possession) would
cost at least £300.
It is evident, therefore, that there is ample scope for future
development A good beginning has already been made; we
have a magnificent building, many of the required cases and
fittings, while the permanence and upkeep of the Museum is assured.
The collections at present in hand form a really good nucleus
of a county and students' museum, but a very considerable
capital expenditure is still required to perfect the scheme. The
time for discussing the use and mode of arrangement of local
museums has almost passed. Volumes have been written, but
very little has been done, at least near London. The writer
pleads strongly that the plans now so carefully prepared should
be carried into actual practice. The opportunity of doing this
lies with our Essex Museum.
The Head Quarters and Publishing Office of the Club are now at
the " Essex Local and Educational Museum of Natural History of the Essex
Field Club" (Passmore Edwards Museum), The Romford High Road,
Stratford, Essex.
All donations for the Museum and Library should be sent to the above
address. Letters for the Secretaries may still be sent to Buckhurst Hill, or
to the Museum. Specimens, books, &c, intended for the " Epping Forest
Branch Museum of the Essex Field Club," may be sent to Queen Elizabeth's
Lodge, Chingford, Essex; but no perishable specimens should be sent there,
but to the Head Quarters, where the Curator's workroom is established.
[The Editor is much indebted to Mr. A. Cotgreave, Principal Librarian, for the loan
of the block of the portrait of Mr. Passmore Edwards.]