8 



will contain every book in that section of the Library up to the end of 

 October. Progress is being made with the Catalogue for the Reference 

 Department, but this is necessarily a slow process, and in the mean 

 time the staff are always ready and willing to point out to applicants 

 the best modern books on any given subject, and to give them every 

 help and information. Nothing new can be said about the News 

 Rooms, which are used as fully as ever, and there are no complaints to 

 make of the behaviour of those attending. 



The year's work in the Museum has not been quite so great as I 

 could have wished. The re-arrangement of the Insects is quite 

 finished, and the Special Sub-Committee is nearing the end of its 

 labours. The Foreign Birds have all been examined and re-mounted 

 where necessary, but our collection of eggs has not yet been dealt 

 with. This and several other matters have had to be postponed owing 

 to the state cf my health during the first half of the year, but I have every 

 hope of completing them during the ensuing winter months. 



Our staff has remained unchanged throughout the year, to the great 

 advantage of the Institution. I am perfectly satisfied with the way in 

 which their duties are discharged, and do not think the Committee 

 could be better served. My thanks are once more due to the Derby 

 Press for their co-operation in anything likely to be of benefit 

 to the Library and Museum, and I desire once more to testify to the 

 uniform kindness and consideration I always receive from every member 

 of the Committee. 



I remain. Gentlemen, 



Your obedient servant, 



WILLIAM CROWTHER, 



Librarian, Curator, and Secretary. 



October 2yth, 1904. 



