9 



The work of re-arrangement in the Museum has gone on steadily, 

 and the Sub-Committee entrusted with the work lias 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, 

 Oar 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 you, 

 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. 



