21(» REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1903. 



A ^liiiiilar eonstriu-tioii was directed in the otlier principal nortli tower, and the 

 work in Imtli lias l)een executed in such a manner as to give assurance that these 

 ])arts of the building will not merely be restored, but will also be rendered more 

 stable than they were before the conflagration. The crack above mentioned has been 

 found, by the undisturbed condition of a thin stratum of plaster placed over it, to 

 have remained the same, and the walls, for several months previous and during the 

 winter, have not undergone any perceptible change. 



While the work immediately required for the safety of the front towers was in 

 progress, plans were discussed and prepared for the interior of these as well as for 

 that of the south tower, with a view to their better adaptation to the wants of the 

 establishment. 



The original plan of the building included four principal staircases leading to the 

 upper story of the edifice, one on each side of the north entrance, and a similar 

 arrangement on the right and another on the left of the south entrance. As these 

 occupied a large portion of useful space, it was thought best to increase the size of 

 those at the north entrance, dispense with those on the southern, and so arrange the 

 heights of the stories of all the towers as to render them more available for the 

 ])usiness operations of the estal)lishment. 



The work which has been done on the southern tower consists in the removal of 

 the north wall and a considerable part of the upper portion of the other three walls; 

 the preparation of a part of the freestone, from which to reconstruct the exterior 

 wall; the greater portion of the l)rickwork of the basement, and the furnishing of 

 the cast-iron columns intended to replace the brick piers which supported the 

 northern wall of this tower. * * * 



This temporary roof, covered with felt saturated with tar, has served the purpose 

 intended. It will, however, rapidly deteriorate, and, consequently, the first object 

 of the committee, during the coming season, will be to decide on the character of 

 the roof, and to hasten its completion as rapidly as the work can properly l)e 

 accomplished. 



In the restoration of the building the committee have been governed by the 

 following considerations: 



First. To render the work entirely stable, both in regard to material and mode of 

 construction. 



Second. To render it thoroughly fireproof. 



Third. In view of the great cost at present of material and workmanship, and the 

 condition of the funds of the Institution, at first to do such work as should be 

 necessary to preserve the stabiUty of the several parts of the building, and prevent 

 injury to the property by the weather. * * * 



1866. The restoration of the building has been prosecuted during the last year as 

 rapidly as the funds at the disposal of the committee and the character of the work 

 would permit. * * * 



The large south tower was so much injured that 30 feet of the upper portion had 

 to be taken down and rebuilt, the cost of which was much enhanced by the neces- 

 sity of recutting a large amount of new stone for the facing. This tower has been 

 divided into six stories, affording as many large rooms, the lower for an extension 

 of the museum, an upper one for the meetings of the Kegents, and the others for 

 storage, etc. The offices for the accommodation of the Secretary and assistants will 

 be in the nothern tow'ers and connecting space. 



The principal access to the second story of the main Iniilding is l)y two large iron 

 staircases, one on either side of the northern entrance. These have been completed. 



All the towers and connections with the main building have been covered with 

 substantial roofs. After much inquiry and personal investigation, it was concluded 

 to adopt the plan for the roof of tiie main Iniilding of wronght-iron framing and slate 



