80 EEPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. 



One hundred and eighty-eight lots of specimens were sent for 

 study to collaborators of the Museum and to specialists engaged in 

 research work for other institutions. They comprised a total of 

 10,269 specimens, of which 50 were mammals, 636 birds, 136 reptiles 

 and batrachians, 37 fishes, 2,663 insects, 1,101 marine invertebrates, 

 4,070 plants, 118 minerals, rocks and ores, and 1,158 fossils. This 

 material was all to be returned to the Museum, and some had been 

 received before the close of the year. 



NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART. 



The i)ast year was a prosperous one for the Gallery of Art in 

 several ways. Mr. Charles L. Freer, of Detroit, Mich., made a 

 notable addition to his already wonderful collection, consisting 

 chiefly of oriental paintings, pottery, jade, bronzes, etc., with a few 

 works by American artists. Outside of this contribution and one 

 by Mr. William T. Evans, of New York, however, but few perma- 

 nent additions were received, nor can much be expected in this direc- 

 tion until better accommodations are provided for the Gallery, which 

 is now mainly restricted within improvised screen enclosiu^es in a 

 hall designed and required for another purpose. There is no doubt, 

 however, that the interest of the public has been generally awakened 

 to the importance of this branch of the establishment, specifically 

 authorized and directed in the fundamental act of 1816, and, though 

 actually organized only nine years ago, it has already become an 

 acknowledged factor in matters of art in this country. Its right to a 

 more generous support from the Government seems, therefore, unde- 

 niable, and, with proper equipment, it may expect liberal favors 

 from those in a position to assist; but, even as it is, the Gallery is 

 doing excellent work, as is recognized the world over, and its prog- 

 ress, based on solid achievement, has gone too far to be checked. 



There were an exceptional number of loans during the year, sev- 

 eral of large size, and one composing a special exhibition by a 

 national association. The paintings, of which the loans mainly con- 

 sisted, were all worthy of representation in the national collection, 

 and included many by old masters and by eminent painters of later 

 periods. To the generous owners of these and of the sculptures thus 

 temporarily placed on exhibition the ]Dublic is greatly indebted, 

 while the Gallery is much flattered by the faith shown in its objects 

 and activities. 



The Advisory Committee on the Gallery retains the same member- 

 ship as for several years past, consisting of Mr. C. Y. Turner, of 

 Baltimore and Washington, chairman; Mr. Frederick Crownin- 

 shield, Mr. Edwin H. Blashfield and Mr. Herbert Adams, all of New 

 York City; and Mr. William H. Holmes, secretary. Mr. Holmes, 



