ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR. 



1897-1898. 



To the Trustees of the Field Columbian Museum : 



I have the honor to present a report of the operations of the 

 Museum for the year closing September 30, 1898. The same uniform, 

 steady, and systematic work that was in progress at the time of the 

 last report has been maintained during the past twelve months, 

 marked by a spirit which seems to pervade the institution, always 

 leading to a higher standard of strictly scientific treatment and an 

 increasing regard for popular demand. The routine of the Museum 

 has been excellent, and the general method of operation confirms the 

 wisdom of the original plans. It will be observed, as details are 

 presented, that the claims of each department and of each feature of 

 the scope of the Museum, as well as the requirements of the institu- 

 tion as a whole, have had consideration and have received a proper 

 share of attention. The concert of action on the part of the staff 

 during the past year has been especially gratifying in an individual 

 sense, and of course productive of much benefit collectively. With- 

 out in the least abating an interest in original research and in special 

 work in the laboratories, a broader policy has marked each depart- 

 ment in the treatment of those principles of Museum work that 

 appeal to the public and concern the great mass of people to whose 

 betterment and uplifting institutions of this character are dedicated. 

 With the exception that in nearly all departments and sections the 

 working force has been strengthened as the necessities of each case 

 seemed to require, there have been no changes in the personnel of 

 the staff. It is fair to assume, therefore, that its members enter 

 upon the new year with increased capacity to meet the growing 

 requirements of their respective stations, and with added interest in 

 and devotion to the work assigned to each. 



Income and Maintenance. — The annual budget, approved by the 

 Executive Committee, provided the sum of $102, 000 for the mainten- 

 ance of the Museum for the fiscal year. The actual amount expended 

 was $88,020, leaving a balance within the anticipated expenses for 

 the year, of $13,980. In addition to the cost of maintenance, sums were 



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