It has been the intention of the Committee to fit up one of the 

 upper rooms of the Library for the suitable display of the Biblical 

 Collection, consisting of the donation from the British and Foreign 

 Bible Society, of the Translations of Holy Scripture into 133 

 Languages ; various versions and rare editions which have been 

 obtained by donation and purchase ; commentaries and illustrations of 

 the Bible, with specimens illustrative of the natural history, anti- 

 quities, and customs of the countries of the East. 



This design has been postponed from want of funds, but will be 

 resumed whenever it may be found practicable. 



MUSEUM. 



Owing to the causes mentioned in the last Eeport, viz., the 

 dampness of the walls, and the time required for fitting-up the cases, 

 no portion of the Museum was in a condition for the admission of 

 Visitors until the 18th of October, 1861. On that day the Central 

 Hall and the rooms on the upper floor of the west wing were thrown 

 open to the public. The rooms on the lower floor were opened on the 

 14th of August last. 



The attendance of Visitors has been very large. The total 

 number from the 18th of October to the 1st of September (a period of 

 45 weeks) amounts to 321,714, giving a daily average of 1,739. As 

 compared with the last similar period at the Old Museum, the 

 numbers are as follows : — 



Total. Daily Average. 



New Museum, Oct. 18, 18fil, to Sept. 1, 186'2 321714: 1739 



Old Museum, Oct. 18, 1859, to Sept. 1, 1860 98597 533 



Increase 223117 1206 



In round numbers, tlie Visitors to the New Museum have exceeded 

 those to the Old Museum by 1,200 per day, and by a total of nearly a 

 quarter of a million. 



