REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY. 87 



some 2,500 blocks constructed on a new plan were introduced. These 

 are made of a tripartate veneering and only about one-fourth inch in 

 thickness. 



In six floor upright exhibition cases and one wall-case, double doors 

 have been replaced by single, thus more than doubling the size of the 

 glass. The improvement is so great as to suggest the advisability of 

 carrying out the work in all the cases of this type. 



The collections on the west front of the Museum have been over- 

 liauled and many specimens removed to storage, whereby the appear- 

 ance of the west front is considerably improved. The work has, as 

 usual, been done under the direct supervision of Mr. Newhall. 



Manuscript for about 1,300 lal)el8 has been prepared and sent to the 

 Government Printer. Upward of 6,000 specimen and reference cards 

 have also been prepared, and an equal number of specimens numbered. 



The work of preparing the type catalogue has progressed but slowly, 

 only about 3( »0 slips having been written. The large influx of new and 

 especially type material, has made it seem advisable to postpone the 

 immediate publication of this list. This work, together with the gen- 

 eral stenographic and clerical work of the department, has remained 

 in the hands of Mrs. Jouy and Miss Graves. 



In the section of invertebrate paleontology a large amount of work 

 has been done in arranging the new materials, particularly those of 

 the E. O. Ulrich collection. During the year there were identified or 

 placed in final nniseum condition upward of 16,000 specimens. These 

 are recorded in the registers, but, on account of lack of clerical help, 

 have not been numbered, nor have cards been made for the card 

 catalogue. 



Dr. Peale reports that work on the paleobotanical series has con- 

 tinued along the same lines as last year. The exhibition series has been 

 partially rearranged and new labels have been printed and exchanged 

 for the temporary labels of the Paleozoic portion of the collection. 



Work in the section of vertebrate paleontology has proceeded but 

 slowly, owing to the small force engaged. Mr. Stewart has been at 

 work during almost the entire year upon a mount of the Claosaurus. 

 The work is now nearly completed, and it is expected that during the 

 coming fall this very interesting vertebrate fossil will be placed on 

 exhibition in the southeast court. The hind limb of a B rontosaurus 

 has been prepared and placed on exhibition during the time under 

 consideration. 



No explorations have been carried on during the year at the expense 

 of the Museum. Messrs. Schuchert and Bassler and the Head Curator 

 have been in the field on various occasions, but either at their own 

 expense or that of other organizations. Much valuable material has 

 thus been obtained. 



