198 REPORT ON NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



to the section if the acting curator could spend a short time visiting 

 some of the large spinning and weaving establishments to become prac- 

 tically familiar with the processes. 



Although it is very desirable that the microscope should be brought 

 into use in the study and identification of the fibers and fabrics, foods 

 and adulterants, the opportunities for such examinations are extremely 

 limited at present. They are certainly important, and the credit of the 

 Museum demands that its officers should be competent to treat any 

 question of importance that is presented intelligently, and with ade- 

 quate knowledge of the work and methods of others. To do this re- 

 quires much study and experimenting. At present the acting Curator 

 in this section is uncertain whether it would be better to devote his 

 time principally to study and investigation, or to the display of speci- 

 mens without order or reason. In the one case the benefits would be 

 seen in the future, in the other the activity of the section would be seen 

 now. The appointment of an assistant, as suggested, would solve the 

 difficulty in the most satisfactory way by permitting the work of in- 

 stallation to go on steadily while the other work is progressing. 



There is one part of the work of this section that has not received 

 any attention as yet, but which can doubtless be begun early in the 

 year, as soon as the material now being worked up in the food collec- 

 tion is out of the way. This is the arranging of series illustrative of the 

 process of nutrition, showing the relative value of foods, drinks, etc. ; 

 and various other illustrative collections which have already been men- 

 tioned in a previous communication. 



It is also desirable that specimens showing the process of spinning 

 and weaving should be obtained for the textiles division, and these can 

 doubtless be readily obtained by a personal visit to the mills. 



It is with no little diffidence that the needs of this section are set 

 forth thus at length, knowing the personal interest you have manifested 

 in its progress and development, and your willingness to advance its 

 interests by every possible means. Nevertheless, since you have asked 

 for " recommendations and remarks," it has seemed a proper occasion to 

 indicate what the experience of two months has clearly shown to be 

 essential needs for the proper conduct of the work of the section. 



DEPARTMENT OF ANTIQUITIES. 



Charles Eau, Curator. 



The classifying and preparing for exhibition of the collections received 

 has been continued in accordance with the plan indicated in my annual 

 report for 1882. The general collection of typical objects in the Museum 

 is now so large, that more space can be given to special collections, and 

 when enough specimens have been received from one locality to fill one 

 or more trays, they are separately exhibited. 



