9 
The work of re-arrangement in the Museum has gone on steadily, 
and the Sub-Committee entrusted with the work has been occupied 
mainly with the Mollusca. The foreign species, much the larger portion, 
are complete, and we are now at work on the British varieties. Pur- 
chases have been made where necessary, and altogether some 1,650 speci- 
mens, displayed on 48 trays, have been arranged, mounted, and labelled. 
A large number of specimens from the “ Birds” collection have been lent 
to the Technical College, to the Higher Grade Board Schools in Gerard 
Street,and to other Schools, and still other Schools are making selec- 
tions. As will be seen from the list, we have received a number of valu- 
able donations, and the lion which has been purchased, and will be in its 
place shortly, will be a most useful addition to our limited collection of 
mammals. The shaft of a cross from old St. Alkmund’s Church, which 
formerly stood in the garden, has been brought indoors. 
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers held its annual meetings 
in Derby last July, and the Committee granted the use of our buildings 
for a Conversazione given by the local Reception Committee to the 
members, and His Worship the Mayor (Mr. Alderman Duesbury) has 
since given a similar entertainment to a very large number of guests, 
Onur buildings once more proved their adaptability for such a purpose, 
and, although at times rather crowded, both functions were very 
successful. 
I attended the Annual Conference of the Library Association, held 
this year at Southport, on which I have already fully reported to yon, 
and I have been again elected a member of the Council of that body, 
which, by the way, has received a Royal Charter of Incorporation during 
the year. 
In completing this report, I have again to acknowledge the hearty 
co-operation of the local press in forwarding the interests of this Insti- 
tution, which has never been more in evidence than during the past 
year; and I have great pleasure in bearing testimony to the good and 
willing work done by all the members of my staff. My own duties 
have increased, but, thanks to your kindly help and consideration, they 
are a pleasure to me, and the well-directed work of the various Sub- 
Committees does much to lighten them. 
I remain, Gentlemen, 
Your obedient Servant, 
W. CROWTHER, 
October 27th, 1898, Librarian, Curator, and Secretary. 
