38 
one branch of science, the total number recorded for the year 
being 1,027. 
Needs—As soon as the library moves into its permanent 
quarters, on the completion of our building, its growth and proper 
care will necessitate the full time of an assistant. 
There are still many serious gaps in our files of botanical 
periodicals. Some of these are expensive or rare and are becom- 
ing more expensive and especially more difficult to secure each 
year. A list of those urgently needed has a total cash value of 
between $3,500 and $4,000. 
Herbarium 
Accessions—The total accessions for the year were 11,936 
specimens, of which 3,465 were phanerogamic and 8,471 crypto- 
gamic. Of these 10,583 were received by purchase, 1,315 by 
collection, and 38 by gift. 
Needs. (a) Assistance —Out of a total of 135,000 specimens, 
more or less, about 10,000 are unmounted ; until they are mounted 
they are practically inaccessible as scientific specimens for ready 
reference. The curator of plants reports about 7,000 sheets 
mounted this year, not counting the cryptogamic section. It is 
anticipated that approximately 20,000 or 25,000 specimens will 
be acquired in 1916. It seems, therefore, self-evident that the 
proper care of the herbarium, including mounting and other labor, 
will require, in addition to curatorial work, the entire time of an 
assistant. 
(b) Cases—The eight double-faced units of metal herbarium 
cases, which we now have, accommodate about 100,000 sheets. 
They are full. In addition we have about 22,500 mounted speci- 
mens in temporary wooden cases, and over 10,000 unmounted 
specimens in storage; in other words, additional metal cases, are 
needed to accommodate approximately 32,500 specimens in addi- 
tion to 20,000 or more specimens anticipated in 1916. This will 
require four double-faced units. 
The Staff 
Librarian—Dr. Laura E. Watson Benedict, whose appoint- 
ment was noted in my preceding annual report, entered upon her 
duties as librarian on Monday, January 4. 
