ib6 Field Museum of Natural History — Reports, Vol. IV. 



The movement for the extension of Hbraries and museums, univer- 

 sities and other institutions of learning founded for the use of citizens 

 of Chicago was heartily supported by the Board of Trustees. The 

 intention of this movement is to bring the educational activities of 

 the city to the attention of the people of Chicago and to avoid as far 

 as possible duplication of effort. 



The announcement late in December of Mr. Norman W. Harris' 

 important contribution of $250,000 for the extension of the work of 

 the Museum into the public schools of Chicago was greeted by the 

 press and people of the city with marked concert of congratulation. 

 The plans for carrying out Mr. Harris' wishes have not as yet been 

 more than outlined, but the project is receiving the careful deliberation 

 of the director, the curators of the Museum and the officials of the 

 Board of Education. It will take several months to arrive at even a 

 tentative working plan. This rare donation to the cause of education 

 and pviblic welfare will give life and light to the routine of the schools, 

 instill love of nature in the scholars, make for good citizenship and 

 constantly increase the friends and frequenters of the Museum. It 

 is a wise, far-reaching and perpetual benefaction. 



An important addition to the fire protection equipment was the 

 installation of the reinforcing fire pump and the purchase of a number 

 of wheeled fire extinguishers with a capacity ranging from 25 to 40 

 gallons. Two additional firemen were also added to the force. 



The present state of the building calls for no special comment 

 except that persistent effort is made to keep it in as safe a condition 

 as circumstances will allow. 



Maintenance. — The sum of $175,480.00 was appropriated by the 

 Board of Trustees for the necessary expenses of maintenance during 

 the fiscal year, and it is a matter of congratulation to report that the 

 amount expended for this purpose was $149,127.00, leaving the satis- 

 factory margin of $26,353.00. This is especially noteworthy, as numer- 

 ous additions were made during the year to the force of departmental 

 assistants. The actual amount expended, however, was $195,780. 

 The difference between this amount and the cost of maintenance is 

 accounted for by special appropriations for cases, expeditions and 

 collections purchased. 



STAFF. — The Staff has been augmented by the appointment of Dr. 

 B. E. Dahlgren as Assistant Curator, Division of Economic Botany, 

 and the appointment of Huron H. Smith as Assistant Curator, Division 

 of Dendrology. The death of Jesse E. Burt, who was attached to the 

 Department of Anthropology as modeler and sculptor, has to be 

 recorded. Mr. Burt for a long period rendered conscientious, efficient 



