WCP844

[1]

BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY),

CROMWELL ROAD,

LONDON: S.W.

Sep 22d 1887.

Copy

My dear Wallace

I have just read your article¹ in the current number of the Fortnightly Review on 'American Museums.'

That there is still an immense deal to be done to bring up this museum to the ideal of perfection it ought to attain, and that we are dreadfully hampered by [2] the old traditions which prevailed during the construction and fitting up of the building, I and most of my present colleagues, fully admit, but I can not understand why you should have used such expressions as these "all attempt at any effective presentation of the various aspects and problems of natural history, as now understood, is as far off as ever."² and "in the land of Darwin no step has been taken to escape from the monotonous routine of one [3] great systematic series of crowded specimens arranged in lofty halls and palatial galleries, which may excite wonder, but which are calculated to teach no definite lesson."³

If your indictment is founded upon a recent visit to the Museum (as the reader would naturally infer) I can only say that I have abundant testimonies from every naturalist British and Foreign who has been here during the last twelve months (including A. Agassiz⁴ himself and [4] only today Asa Gray⁵ of Harvard) in an exactly contrary sense, which is sufficient encouragement for me to go on, as we are endeavouring to do, notwithstanding your disapproval.

Or, is it possible that what you have written and given to the world under the date of September 1887 is founded upon some ancient reminiscences? If so pray come up at once and let me show you what is going on.

Such grand accusations against the management of an important public institution, as there contained in your article, I have a right to call upon you either to justify or withdraw.

Believe me | yours very truly | W. H. Flower⁶ [signature]