REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 37 



discovery by Columbus, and for representing the animal life and tbe natural 

 resources of the country. The work of mounting and arranging the specimens was 

 immediately begun, and continued until the beginning of the present calendar year 



In February, the first shipments to Chicago were made. The entire exhibit filled 

 twenty-nine cars. On the opening day, May 1, the exhibits were all in place and 

 were formally opened to the public. 



In the act authorizing the Exposition special provision was made for the con- 

 struction of a separate building for the exhibits of the United States Government, at 

 a cost of $400,000. About 22,000 square feet of floor space were assigned to the Smith- 

 sonian Institution and National Museum at the south center of the building. 



Before closing these statements I feel it my duty again to allude to the over- 

 crowded condition of the halls of the preseut Museum building. This has been 

 temporarily alleviated to some extent by the transmission of a large number of 

 specimens from several departments of the Museum to the World's Columbian 

 Exposition, but at the close of the Exposition these objects will be returned. Some 

 provision must also be made for the objects which were acquired especially for the 

 Exposition, as well as for material which will doubtless be presented to the United 

 States by foreign governments and private exhibitors. 



I have already called attention to the large number of specimens, now in the 

 storerooms, which have never yet been provided for, and which are in danger of 

 deteriorating, owing to the impossibility of properly caring for them. I am aware 

 that the burden of these remarks has become an annual repetition, but I feel it my 

 duty to continue to make these representations until Congress, upon whom the 

 responsibility falls, shall erect an additional Museum building, or at least fire-proof 

 storage-sheds. 



I must again call attention to the need of larger appropriations for the current 

 work. The number of visitors and the demands of the public are constantly 

 increasing, and more money is necessary in order to carry on legitimate work in a bus- 

 iness like and effective manner. The clerical employes are paid less than in the 

 Executive Departments, and many of them leave after a short period of service, to 

 the serious detriment of the Museum, which is compelled to train new clerks. 



In the matter of heating and lighting, to which I called special attention in my 

 last report, I trust that the full amount asked for, including the cost of new heating 

 apparatus, which I have estimated at $1,000, will be allowed by Congress. I may 

 add that much sickness has occurred during previous winters owing to the impossi- 

 bility of keeping all the offices in the building properly heated with the small 

 amount of coal which could be purchased. 



