quarterly Stock takings, and the preparation of a supplementary catalogue of 

 about 2900 books, which was very much wanted, the last being issued in July, 

 1883. The Library is, and has been during the year, in thoroughly good 

 working order. 



In the Museum, my work has been the re-arrangement of the birds, the 

 collection of the late Rev. E. Jebb, kindly presented to the Institution by his 

 widow, being now incorporated with the rest. The whole collection will 

 shortly be re-labelled. A portion of the fine collection of shells has also been 

 re-arranged and re-mounted, and will shortly be completed. My great want 

 with regard to Museum work is time ; the work has to be done in the inter- 

 vals of my other duties, but though much remains to be done, I hope shortly 

 to be able to report the Museum in as satisfactory a condition as the Library. 



The Newsrooms are not the least popular part of the Institution. In the 

 evenings, and on wet days especially, every newspaper and magazine has its 

 reader, and crowded as the rooms frequently are by all classes, I have never 

 had throughout the year serious cause of complaint respecting the conduct of 

 those who are frequenters. Since August 1st the news rooms have experi- 

 mentally been closed at half-past nine o'clock instead of ten. 



My report would be incomplete did I not speak of the highly satisfactory 

 way in which the assistants do their work. I believe that the whole of the 

 staff are animated with a desire for the efficient working and success of the 

 Institution, and co-operate zealously to that end. 



I append to this report the usual tables, and two additional ones, Nos. 

 VI., VII., which will be of interest. 



I am, Gentlemen, 



Your obedient Servant, 



W. CROWTHER, 



Librarian and Curator. 



