and equipment of the building and the necessarily slow reorgani- 

 zation of the entire Museum absorbed the very limited funds 

 available without producing the exhibition collections which 

 the public naturally expected. It was essential that this prelim- 

 inary organization should be accomplished and the scientific and 

 educational work established on modern lines before the Museum 

 could fairly ask for a special appropriation for a new roof. In 

 the last two years, however, public recognition of the scope and 

 value of the institution has made rapid strides, and this fact, 

 combined with the urgent necessity of protectmg the building, 

 led Council to this further support of our work with the generos- 

 ity and far-sighted wisdom it has always shown in its develop- 

 ment of the Museum. 



In July a test section of the steps at the front entrance was 

 built of reinforced concrete. These steps are a difficult problem 

 from the fact that no foundation except sawdust is available. 

 When a satisfactory plan of reinforcement has been designed the 

 remaining sections will be built. 



Further work for the fall includes interior and exterior painting 

 to repair water damage due to the old leaks in the roof. When this 

 is done the building will be in a state of excellent repair for the 

 first time since it has been under the control of the Museum. 

 Its maintenance in future will require only moderate expendi- 

 tures if repairs are made promptly. 



THE OLD COLLECTIONS 



In July and August the last cases and specimens were removed 

 from the old quarters at the College of Charleston to the Museum 

 building, with the exception of some large archeological casts for 

 which no suitable accommodations are at present available. 



The sash from the old cases was used to construct a temporary 



enclosure in the southwest corner of the main hall, where a large 



amount of material is stored until final provision can be made for 



it. Some specimens are no longer suitable for exhibition, while 



others will make handsome and useful exhibits when properly 



installed. 



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