FORTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT. 



A large number of books and publications have been added to 

 the Museum Library, among them being the usual volumes received 

 from the Egypt Exploration Fund. Special attention may be 

 called to the purchase of three volumes of the Report of the 

 Scientific Results of the Voyage of the Scotia during the years 

 1902-4, under the leadership of Dr William S. Bruce, F.R.S.E. 



The Committee are much indebted to Mr. George R. 

 Macdougall, New York, for some interesting additions, among them 

 being a letter written by James Watt on 14th March, 1780. 



The loan collection from the Victoria and Albert Museum 

 South Kensington, has again been renewed, and four interesting 

 cases containing examples of Wood-carving, Persian Pottery and 

 Tiles, Chinese Porcelain, and Electrotypes of English Maces have 

 been received on loan. The loan collection of oil paintings has also 

 been replaced as detailed in the Curator's Report. 



It gives the Committee great pleasure to report that they have 

 just received a communication from Mr Robert Little, R.W.S., son 

 of the late Mr Robert Little, Shipowner, offering to present to the 

 Museum as an addition to the Art collection of his native town one 

 of his pictures entitled "Haymaking in England," which recently 

 received the "Mention Honourable" at the Paris Salon. The 

 Committee greatly appreciate the action of Mr Little, and desire to 

 record their thanks to him for his generous gift. 



The improvement in the lighting of the Lecture Hall, referred 

 to in last Report, has now been satisfactorily carried out— the old 

 Nernst Lamps, which were practically worn out, having been 

 replaced by the more modern type of Osram Lamp, with suitable 

 fittings. The wiring has also been renewed, and a special switch 

 has been fitted by which the lights in the Hall can be turned 

 instantaneously off or on, which will be of great benefit in connection 

 with Lantern and Experimental Lectures. 



Some time ago the South Kensington Authorities made enquiry 

 regarding the provision in the Museum for dealing with an outbreak 

 of fire, and they have suggested that fire hydrants should be provided, 

 one on the main floor and one for the gallery. As the Committee 

 realised the necessity for taking every possible precaution in such a 



