The South-African Museum

Abstract

SINCE we last gave a notice of this institution we have learned, with much pleasure, that the Cape Government has made liberal provision for its more efficient administration and maintenance. There is none of the more important British Colonies which has of late made more rapid progress than the Cape in material prosperity, and it is most gratifying to find that the Molteno administration (the first ministry organised under the Parliamentary System of Government initiated in 1872) has not been oblivious of the claims of science during its four years' tenure of office. In the estimates for the financial year 1876–77, as passed by the Colonial Legislature, we find provision made for Botanical Gardens to the extent of 2,900l.; for Public Libraries, 2,600l.; for Museums, 1,300l.; while such items as “Geological Researches, 1,500l.;” “In aid of publishing Dr. Bleek's Bushman Researches, 200l.;” and “Meteorological Commission, 250l.;” sufficiently prove that the duty of endowing research is practically recognised by the Cape authorities. The present able Governor, Sir Henry Barkley, F.R.S., is as well and widely known for his attachment to scientific pursuits as for his distinction in Colonial administration, and we think we cannot err in tracing to his judicious influence much of the enlightened action of his responsible advisers in their recommendations to the Parliament.