29

A.—2,

ethnological collection now contemplated, as any articles which the Colonies could provide would be much needed for the proposed Colonial Annexe, for which their contributions have already been invited. Tou will find a paragraph on this subject in the circular of which I enclose a copy, and which was addressed to the Governors of all Her Majesty's Colonies so recently as the 11th March last. Pending the erection of the annexe, which it is understood has been postponed for the present, it might perhaps be arranged that the Colonies contributing to that scheme should lend their collections to that projected by Mr. Mouat, but his Lordship does not feel himself in a position to propose to the Colonies that any ethnological collections which they may be able to make, should be diverted from the permanent Colonial Exhibition, of which it was considered by the Committee for the Colonial Annexe that they would form one of the principal attractions. I am, &c, Major-General Scott, C.8., &c. E. G. W. Heebeet. Major-General Scott to the Undeb Secbetaby of State, Colonial Office. (No. 48,004.) Annual International Exhibition, Sic, — Upper Kensington Gore, London, S.W., 27th January, 1874. With reference to the letter of the 21st instant, from Lord Kimberley, on the subject of the proposed Ethnological and Geographical Museum in connection with the series of Annual International Exhibitions, I am directed to inform you that the Committee for Ethnology and Geography have suggested that Her Majesty's Commissioners should apply to the Colonial Office to lend (until the formation of the Colonial Annexe) any objects of ethnological interest that may be received for the Colonial Court. Should the Secretary of State for the Colonies be willing to comply with this suggestion, I am to ask you to bo so good as to move his Lordship to have the kindness to cause the objects alluded to to be forwarded to the Exhibition Buildings. I am to add that the Committee expressed a hope that the Colonies would send as soon as possible objects for exhibition, and further requested that you should be asked to move his Lordship to urge upon the various Colonial Governments the importance of sending home at once objects intended for this year's Exhibition. I have, &c, Heney T. D. Scott, The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, Major-General, Secretary. Colonial Office, Downing Street, S.W. Mr. Heebeet to Major-General Scott. Sib, — Downing Street, 12th February, 1874. In reply to your letter of the 27th ultimo', I am directed by the Earl of Kimberley to transmit to you, for the information of Her Majesty's Commissioners for Annual International Exhibitions, a copy of a Despatch which his Lordship proposes to address to the Governors of the Colonies, on the subject of the Ethnological and Geographical Museum which it is intended to establish in connection with the series of Annual International Exhibitions. Looking to the distance of the Colonies from this country, and tho difficulties which are invariably experienced in making collections of produce or of objects of ethnological interest for exhibition, his Lordship can hardly anticipate that the Colonies will be able to take any very prominent part in the projected museum. It must also be borne in mind that although a collection of ethnological objects would be of undoubted interest, it would not by itself be one from which the Colonies could expect to attain any tangible advantage commensurate with the cost and trouble which such a collection would necessarily entail upon them. I am, &c, Major-General Scott. E. G. W. Heebeet. Major-General Scott to the Undee Seceetaey of State for the Colonies. (No. 49,003.) Sic, — Upper Kensington Gore, London, S.W., 27th February, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant, forwarding, for the information of Her Majesty's Commissioners, a copy of a Circular Despatch which the Secretary of State for the Colonies proposes to address to the Governors of the different Colonies, on the subject of the Ethnological and Geographical Museum which it is intended to establish in connection with the series of Annual International Exhibitions. lam to thank you for your communication, and to express the hope of the Board of Management that the Circular Despatch referred to may be forwarded as soon as possible. I am to transmit to you the accompanying forms, and I am to ask you to be so good as to move the Secretary of State for the Colonies to cause the same to be distributed among the various Colonial Governments, expressing the hope of the Board of Management that they will be disposed to make known the object the Board have in view, and to favour them by promoting tho completeness of the proposed Ethnological and Geographical Museum. I have, &c, Heney T. D. Scott, The Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Major-General, Secretary. Downing Street, S.W.