FORTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 



made of a valuable contribution received from Mr. George R. 

 Macdougall of New York, consisting of a large number of examples 

 of the art work of old Japan in metal and lacquer, as applied to 

 the decoration of swords, sword guards, etc. These have been 

 placed in a case temporarily, but a new case will be constructed to 

 receive them. 



In connection with the Geological Section it is interesting to 

 rejfort that a representative collection illustrating the geology of the 

 district is being made for the Museum by Mr. William J. C. Laurie, 

 a young (keenock student i)resently at Oxford University. This 

 should add considerably to the interest and usefulness of the 

 geological collection. An interesting addition has just been received 

 from the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, consisting of a 

 selection of specimens of palaeolithic implements collected by Mr. 

 James Cross, F.G.S., in Kent, and distributed with his consent. 

 The usual contribution has been received from the Egypt Exploration 

 Fund ; and the loan collection from the Victoria and Albert 

 Museum, South Kensington, has been renewed. The new collection 

 consists of samples of English electrotypes, modern pottery, carved 

 wood work, and glass ware, also several oil paintings. An interesting 

 water colour painting by T. R. Lamont has been received on loan. 

 A complete list of all the additions to the collections will be found 

 in the Curator's report. 



The Committee room, ladies' room, lavatories, and passages 

 have been repainted and papered and are much improved in 

 appearance. 



The state of the stone work of the building has been giving the 

 Committee some thought as signs of decay are evident in several 

 places. Steps are, however, being taken to have this remedied as 

 far as ])0ssible. 



The Committee are at present considering the expediency of 

 substituting a new and improved type of lamp in the Lecture Hall 

 for the Nernst at present in use, which are becoming worn out. 



