I should also think that before the extinction of the Museum Trust is decided upon, it would be well to consider whether it is desirable to allow Institutions like the Museum to be governed by learned and scientific men. I will not go so far as to say that the system of Trustees is the best that could be devised, but I am fully convinced, and ready to prove from experience, that learned and scientific men are unfit to govern places like the Museum. Who then is to govern these establishments? There is a variety of minor points which are worth considering, besides those above mentioned. If you and Lord John were to agree to some general principles, I dare say Mr. Gladstone would probably agree with you on the whole; and then you three might induce, and, if necessary, compel the Government to consent to adopting your views. I think it, however, requisite that, in some way or other, evidence should be taken from men whose opinion carries weight in these matters; that the public and the Houses of Parliament should see that whatever be ultimately done is done on good grounds and after mature consideration. I think the information collected would be of great use in coming to a right determination, and I do not see how it can be possible to do so without. The ‘Supply’ is coming home with a cargo of antiquities from Newton, and will call at Carthage for some fifty cases of antiquities from Davis. It was to be at Malta on the 25th of last month, and will therefore soon be here. Where is all this enormous mass of things to be placed? Ever yours, A. PANIZZI.” “Harpton, Radnor, October 12th, 1858. “My dear Panizzi, I received your letter before Lord John went on to Liverpool, and had some conversation with him on the subject of it.