"THE natural history exhibition at the Public Library is proving an attraction to a certain section of the public in Malvern, though it must be confessed that the attendance at the opening ceremony was far less than at the exhibition last year," reported the Gazette 100 years ago.

"On that occasion, the ceremony took place in the reference room, which was packed to its utmost capacity. On the present occasion, the scope of the exhibition is, it must be confessed, not one that appeals to all sections of the public.

"The exhibits are not of so varied a nature, and not quite so local in their interest as on the previous occasion. Still, a goodly array of objects of interest have been got together, and with a somewhat lengthy programme of free lectures, it is quite possible the exhibition will be a success and prove that there is a pretty widespread desire for an extension of its influence in the shape of the establishment of a permanent museum.

"Towards this museum there is already a splendid nucleus in the magnificent collection of lepidoptera specimens. This is an exceedingly generous gift from the Vicar of Malvern Link. It is a matter for congratulation that the town has been benefited by the generosity of Mr Day, in possessing one of the finest and most complete local collections that any town could possibly have.

"Over the collection hangs a strikingly god photograph of the donor, with his favourite parrot. This intelligent bird was for many years a very well known inhabitant of the Vicarage, and it may not be very well known that only recently the Vicar had the misfortune to lose it by death.

"The opening address was delivered by Mr Willis Bund, chairman of the county council, on the subject of Biology and Legislation. His remarks were directed chiefly to the effect of the Wild Birds Protection Act and the laws relating to fishing, on the birds and fishes of the county.

"Mr Bund told several stories against himself, notably the story of the German who sought to introduce the child-eating fish into his lake, and also of the thrashing he administered to the village youth who disclosed to a London egg collector the identity of a rare bird's nest."