8 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Throughout all the rearrangement the object has been to appeal to 

 the general visitor rather than to the scientist, though scientific classifica- 

 tion and terminology are indispensible to the work ; so those collections 

 have been given prominence which will at once interest the casual visitor 

 and instruct him in the great diversity and economic importance of the 

 natural products of the State, and also teach him to appreciate the 

 importance of a thorough scientific investigation of unknown regions. 



The crying need of every department in the Museum is for more exhi- 

 bition room. It is not merely a question of appearance, but of relative 

 value of the Museum to the public, for owing to the overcrowded cases 

 it is impossible for a visitor to study specimens without having them 

 removed from the shelves, which is, of course, impracticable. The 

 Museum at present owns sufficient collections, worthy of exhibition, to 

 fill at least three times the space now occupied; to say nothing of the 

 grand collections of forestry, clay, ores, mineral water, and the great 

 relief map of the State, now neglected in the top of the Capitol. 



Much of the work has been tedious, but it has been made easier and 



more pleasant by the good nature and hearty co-operation of all who have 



taken part. 



Respectfully submitted 



F. J. H. MERRILL 



Director 



