In the Museum, the work of the Re-arraugement Sub-Committee 

 is drawing to a close. We have acquired by purchase several impor- 

 tant specimens, and by gift many others. We are much indebted to 

 the Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History) for the gift of 

 foreign birds and eggs. Most of these have already been placed in 

 the case's and the remainder are being prepared. 



In the Art Gallery, the Spring and Autumn Exhibitions have 

 fully maintained their high level of merit, and my difficulties in obtain, 

 ing good pictures on loan are much less than formerly. The 

 Exhibition now open is one of considerable merit, and its attractions 

 are considerably enhanced by the Exhibition of the Crown Derby 

 Casket graciously lent by His Majesty the King. The excellent 

 Exhibition of Photographs contributed by the members of the Derby 

 Photographic Society merits a special word of praise, and I should 

 like here to place on record my obligation to the oiiicials and members 

 of that Society for the valuable help they gave me, and for the zeal 

 they displayed in making the Exhibition such a success 



I complete this year, twenty-one years in your service. My 

 duties have vastly increased since my appointment, but they have at 

 all times been a pleasure to me, and the pleasure has been increased 

 and the work made less onerous by the hearty co-operation of the 

 members of my Committee, and the kindly consideration and help 

 they have always been ready to afford me. My Staff, an excellent 

 one, has remained practically unchanged during the year, and I owe 

 much to them for the loyalty with which my instructions are carried 

 out, and for the general efficiency and courtesy with which their 

 duties to the public are discharged. I have always been under great 

 obligation to the local Press, which I desire once again to acknowledge. 

 They have always shown themselves ready to aid in the work carried 

 on by this Institution, and I should like specially to refer to their 

 able notices of the Ai-t Gallery Exhibitions from time to time. A 

 copy of any paper containing mention of an artist's work is always 

 sent to him. I find this little attention is much aj^preciated, and 

 helps to raise the Art Gallery in the estimation of those upon whom 

 we have to depend for Exhibitions. 



I think there is nothing further in the year's work on which it 

 is necessary that I should make any remarks, and I therefore close 

 this Report, subscribing myself 



Your obedient servant, 



WILLIAM CROWTHER, 



Librarian, Curator, and iSrcretarii 

 October 29th, 1906. 



