emphasise this essential distinction, he caused the skeletons and models of the one group to be mounted with their heads in one direction, while those of the second were turned the opposite way. Although it was found impossible to obtain a skeleton of the Greenland right-whale, Flower was able to persuade Captain Gray, a well-known whaler, to carve a miniature model in wood, which gives an excellent idea of the proportions, especially the huge size of the head and mouth, of this interesting species. Sketches on the walls of the building illustrate the habits and mode of capture of the sperm-whale, while others serve to show the bodily form of species not yet represented by models. At the time it was opened this exhibit was absolutely unique; and, in the belief of the writer, it remains so to the present day. Unfortunately, the size and design of the building, which has a row of wooden posts down the middle, are such as greatly to interfere with the proper effect of the specimens exhibited; and it is much to be hoped that means will be found to erect a larger gallery, of a more permanent nature, which will not only allow the contents of the present structure to be adequately seen, but will likewise leave space to permit of models of other species, such as the humpback whale, to be added to the series. Hitherto I have dwelt exclusively upon Sir William’s efforts to improve the museum under his charge, from the point of view of the general public, that is to say, as an institution for the exhibition of natural history specimens. It must, however, be always remembered that this was but one side of his task, and that he laboured hard during the whole time of his official connection with the museum not only to increase the study, or reserve, collections (which are those on which the real scientific work of the museum is almost exclusively based), but to add to the space available for their storage and for the workers by whom they are studied. Early in his career as Director he recognised the insufficiency of the accommodation of this nature, although, as usual, he expressed his opinion in extremely cautious and guarded language. For instance, in his address as President of the Museum Associations in 1893, after referring to the deficiencies of all, at that time, modern museums, which were described as having been built during a period when opinion was still divided as to the proper function of institutions of this nature, he continued as follows:— “In none, perhaps, is this more strikingly shown than in our own—built, unfortunately, before any of the others, and so without the advantages of the experience that might have been gained from their successes or their shortcomings. Though a building of acknowledged architectural beauty, and with some excellent features, it cannot be taken structurally as a model museum when the test of adaptation to the purpose to which it is devoted is rigidly applied.”