This unsuitableness, it may be added, is apparent not only in the lack of accommodation for the study series, but in the exhibition galleries themselves, where architectural ornament interferes with the proper display of the specimens, if indeed it does not absolutely preclude their being placed on the walls, while an excess of light (which has been partially remedied by blocking up the lower portion of the windows in some of the zoological galleries) causes the specimens to become prematurely bleached and faded. As regards the deficiency of accommodation for the study series in the museum, Sir William endeavoured to remedy this, so far as possible, by closing some portions of the galleries previously open to the public—a step, which, however necessary, tended to mar the building, so far as exhibition purposes are concerned. “While thus maintaining,” writes his biographer in the “Year-book” of the Royal Society for 1901, “the high scientific reputation of the great National Museum, he continued to popularise the institution and science by taking parties of working men round the museum on Sundays, and occasionally a distinguished visitor, like Dr. Nansen, would also join the group. Nor was he less attentive to members of the Royal Family, or to distinguished statesmen, like Mr. Gladstone, who honoured the museum with their presence. Foreign rulers, like the Queen of Holland, the Prince of Naples, the Empress Frederick of Germany, and the King of Siam, were also interested in the collection, so that the popularity and welfare of the museum were greatly extended by the Director’s tact and urbanity. Formerly, he had taken a leading part in interesting the Prince of Wales (his present Majesty), who was present at Sir James Paget’s Hunterian Oration in 1877, in the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons, and in arranging for an exhibition of the Prince’s hunting trophies at the Zoological Society shortly afterwards, so in his new sphere royal and other powerful influences were utilised for the improvement and popularising of the collection.” King Edward, as Prince of Wales, it may be added, was a constant attendant at the meetings of the Board of Trustees at the Museum during Sir William Flower’s administration; and would occasionally, at the close of the meeting, accompanied by the Director, make an inspection of some of the galleries. As indicative of the interest he took in the details of the arrangement of the museum, it may be mentioned that on one of these tours of inspection His Majesty took exception to the position assigned to the head of a reindeer, and desired that it might be placed elsewhere.