Another exhibit of the above nature is devoted to the phenomenon of albinism and melanism among animals; the two cases in which the specimens are shown containing an extraordinary number of species, varying in size from leopards to mice, in which these remarkable colour-phases are respectively displayed. The admission of such departures from the ordinary type into the museum justifies, it may be mentioned, the introduction of abnormalities of a more startling nature. Finally, as illustration of a transition from one species towards another, Sir William caused to be set up a series of typical specimens of the common and the hooded crow, together with offspring produced by the union of the two, which are to a great extent intermediate between the parent forms. In the same cases is a series of goldfinches, showing a complete gradation between birds of different coloration, and commonly regarded as belonging to distinct species. All the above instances serve to demonstrate, however inadequately, Flower’s broad conception of the field to be covered by a national and educational museum, altogether apart from the exhibition of specimens illustrative of systematic natural history. It is no secret that Sir William wished to add a series illustrative of the present geographical distribution of animals on the surface of the globe; but, for lack of space, all that could be attempted in this direction was the exhibition of the British fauna, together with a map displaying the division of the world into zoological regions, according to the scheme of Messrs. Sclater and Wallace. For several years, apart from administrative duties, Flower devoted practically the whole of his available time to the elaboration of the Index Museum and the other exhibits in the Central Hall, although he found opportunity to draw up a list of the specimens of Cetacea (whales and dolphins) in the collection of the Museum, which was published by order of the Trustees in 1885. Probably, indeed, this list was compiled before active work on the Index Museum had commenced. It is a very useful work to the student of the group, although limited to species represented in the Museum collection. In the autumn of the year 1895 there occurred, however, an event, which may be said to have revolutionised Flower’s position in the Museum, and gave him that immediate personal control over the zoological collections which was essential to the full development and perfection of his scheme of museum reform and expansion. At that date Dr. Albert Günther retired from the position of Keeper of the Zoological Department; and it was then resolved by the Trustees of the Museum that this post should be held by Sir William (who, by the way, had been made C.B. in 1887 and K.C.B. in 1892), in conjunction with the office of Director.