1909.] NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 577 



The spacious Reading Room has been surrounded by bookcases, 

 in which are placed the books most likely to be frequently called for — 

 a portion of those on general natural history, recent accessions, dic- 

 tionaries and bibliography. With the exception of the cases for the 

 temporary reception of new books, this is more a matter of furnishing 

 than of library convenience, as no difficulty is experienced in securing 

 any work desired from the stacks, which are sufficiently lighted by the 

 windows in ordinarily fine weather, the electric lights provided in 

 the aisles being required only on cloudy days and late in the afternoon. 



A room on the stairway leading to the Lecture Hall has been appro- 

 priated for the storage of duplicates and of journals not immediately 

 germane to the work of the Academy. 



The rooms vacated by the Library, to the east of the Race street 

 entrance, have, on the recommendation of the Council, been assigned 

 for the use of the State Department of Health during the term of 

 office of the present State Commissioner, the President of the Academy, 

 and are now so occupied. 



There has been no interruption of current work. Books have been 

 ordered, received and catalogued, exchanges have been made and 

 accessions displayed as usual on the library tables for the use of those 

 compiling bibliographies or desirous of keeping up their knowledge 

 of the progress of science. 



Acknowledgment is due the Assistant Librarian, William J. Fox, 

 for most intelligent and efficient service in the moving of the books 

 to the new building and of the stock of publications to the new storage 

 cases, as well as for the faithful discharge of his current duties in 

 connection with the Library and the Publication office. 



We are indebted to the Free Library of Philadelphia for the loan of 

 the trucks used in the transportation of the books to the new building. 



It is believed that the portion of the year's work with which the 



Library Committee and the Librarian are charged may be regarded 



as a subject of warm congratulation. 



Edward J. Nolan, 



Librarian. 



REPORT OF THE CURATORS. 



The additions and alterations to the Academy buildings, begun in 

 the spring of 1908 under an appropriation of $150,000 from the Com- 

 monwealth of Pennsylvania, have been completed. 



The entrance from Race street has been remodeled and now presents 



