REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY. 105 



NITMHEK OF ACCESSIONS ANNUALLY SINCE 1881. 



A tabulated [statement «liowing' the number of accessions to the 

 Museum each year, beginning' with 1881 (the first year of the occu- 

 pancy of the new building), is liere given. 



Year. 



1881 

 1882 

 1883 

 1884 

 1885 

 1885- 

 1886- 

 1887- 

 1888- 

 1889- 

 1890- 



(Jaiinarv to June) . 

 86 



Total nuuiber of accessions from 1881 to June 30. 1891 



Tlie first entry in the Accession Book bears the date of January 1, 

 1859, although considerable material had been received before that time. 

 From the above figures it will therefore be seen that the accessions 

 during- the past ten years largely exceed the total number received 

 during- the previous twenty-two years, or the i)eii(>d between 1859 and 

 1881. 



l._(H)OPERATION OF THE DEPARTMENTS AND BUREAUS 

 OF THE GOVERNMENT DURING THE YEAR ENDING 

 JUNE ;?0, 1891. 



The National Museum, as in jiast years, has been the recipient of 

 many valuable and interesting- contributions from the different bureaus 

 of the Government. The U. S. Geological Survey and Fish Commis- 

 sion have as usual l)een very active in their friendly cooperation. 

 The Department of Agriculture has contributed large and interesting- 

 collections, particularly from North America. 



The officers of the Army and Navy have been instrumental in adding 

 to the collections of the different departments and sections of the Mu- 

 seum, and the (.»)uaitermaster's Department has been efficient in its 

 services, as has always been its custom. The Department of State has 

 ])erhaps been more active in its contributions, particularly through its 

 ministers and consuls, than in former years. In response to a letter 

 liom Secietary Langley, addressed to State Department officials in 

 various foreign countries, and bearing the indorsraent of that Depart- 

 ment, some valuable accessions have been received and others promised. 

 A report upon lliese contributions will be made in due course. 



