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62 METHODS OF SOCIAL REFORM.
coup d *mil. Were 8 skilfnl modern artist., for instance, to construct
a special building for the Greek sculptures of the Museum,
how vastly woald it aasist in displaying their beauties.
On the whole I am inclined to think that the Museum of
Economic Geology in Jermyn Street is one of the best models,
combining strictly scientific purposes and arrangement with
good popular effect. The larger objects and more interesting
groups and cases are brought forward in a conspicuous manner,
and can be reached without passing through an interminable
series of distracting specimens of loss interest. The general
dispoeal of tho geological collect,ions is such as to give some
idea of their natural ordor and succession. At the same time
the coup d'mil of the Museum is distinctly good, tho light in
tho more c?ssontial parts is excellent, and the size and general
approach to homogeneity of the collections is such as fully to
occupy without oxllausting tho attention of the visitors.
After all, the best Museum is that which a person forms
for himself. As with the books of a public library, so in the
case of public Muscums, the utility of each specimen is greatly
multiplied with regard to the multitude of persons mho may
inspect it. But the utility of each inspection is vastly less than
that which arises from tho privato possession of a, suitable
Rpecimen which can be kept near at hand to be studied at any
moment, hnndled, experimented and reflected upon. A few
such specimens probed thoroughly, teach more thnn thousands
glanced at through a glass-case. The mho10 British Museum
accordingly will not tench a youth as much as he will learn by
collecting a fern fossils or a fern minerals, in situ if possible,
and taking them home to examine and read and think about.
Where there is any aptitude for science, the beginning of such
a collection is the beginning of a scientific educntion. The
paesion for collection runs into many extravagances and
absurdities; but it is difficult to wllect without gaining
knowhdge of more or less value, and with the young evecially
it is almost better to collect any kind of specimens than
nothing. Even the postage-stamp collecting mania is not to
be despised or wholly condemned. At any rate a stamp
oollector who arranges his speoimene well and looks out their