32 



KKI'ORT UF THE SECRETARY. 



cost of administration and contrasted with similar data bearing 

 upon this IVIuseimi — the museum of the whole United States: 



Statistics oj the United States National Museum compared luith the American 

 Museum of Natural History. 



Cubic feet in building 



Number of specimens 



Space provided for ench specimen 



Income, 1901 



Salaries paid to curators 



Cost of buildings to date 



Expenses for all purposes, 1901 



"Total paid to entire scientific staff, $51,649.45. 



>> Balance of appropriation held to meet outstanding liabilities. 



It has been possible during the year to arrange for a new 

 lecture hall in the Museum, a feature which for several years 

 seemed to be of public importance but which was of necessit}^ 

 temporaril}^ abandoned. The present hall is well equipped 

 for its use, being provided with a convenient platform, a 

 lantern stand, screen, chairs, and adjusta)>le window screens. 



Progress has been made in the installation of electric arc 

 lamps throughout the Museum halls, and it is expected dur- 

 ing the coming year to complete the work so that the building 

 may be opened at night when occasion or order of Congress 

 should require it. 



Much-needed improvements are being made in the heating 

 system by the installation of new boilers in the Museum and 

 the connection ))y a tunnel with the Smithsonian building, 

 rendering it possible to considerably economize the service 

 by heating both buildings from one center instead of b}^ two 

 plants as heretofore. 



Among other improvements of the year it may be men- 

 tioned that the last of the old temporary wooden flooring of 

 the Museum halls has been entirely replaced l)y permanent 

 terrazzo pavement. 



The report of the Assistant Secretary enumerates some- 

 what in detail the accessions to the several departments of the 



