268 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSETTM, 1891. 



Lee Uuiversity, Virginia. All of these except the last named have 

 been retnrned. Mr. L. J. Boettcher has for some weeks oconpied a 

 table in this othce and has had free access to the collection of thin sec- 

 tions for pnrpose of study. 



The present state of the collection is sufficiently set forth in Ihe ]n'e- 

 liminary handbook already referred to. The numl>eis given below 

 are substantially the same as therein given: 



A. Systematic geology : 



(1) Exhibition series 4, 800 



(2) Study series 12, 000 



B. Economic geology : 



(1) i:xhil>ition series 10, GOO 



(2) Study series 4, 000 



Total 31,400 



The apparent discrepancy between this and the statements given in 

 previous reports is due to the fact that much of the foreign material 

 there mentioned as forming a portion of the exhibition series is being 

 gradually overhauled and much of it condemned or sent to storage. 

 Matters are, therefore, still in a transition stage. 



No attempt is made at estimating the amount of duplicate material, 

 nor that included in some tlnee hundred boxes still lying in storage 

 and concerning the contents of which the ]>resent curator has little 

 accurate knowledge. 



The exact disposition of their contents is a matter yet to be decided 

 upon. In fact, the figures are intended to include only such material as 

 has been finally administered upon and assigned to some definite jtosi- 

 tion in the collections. It should be stated, further, that indiscriminate 

 collecting has been discouraged, and the tendency has been constantly 

 in the line of condensation. 



As with other departments of the Museum, there is great need of 

 additional exhibition space. Aside from the erection of a new building, 

 I can see but one method by which this space may be secured. Tliis 

 consists of building a narrow balcony around the southwest court, and 

 just above the present wall cases. This will allow the utilization of the 

 spaces between the piers for cases, and will be sufficient to accommo- 

 date the entire building-stone collection now comprised in the fourteen 

 screen cases of the Avest south range. There will therefore be gained 

 for the geological exhibit a floor space some 25 by 60 feet, besides the 

 advantage of having the entire economic series by itself in the court. 



The general arrangement of cases and their contents in the west 

 south range may he best understood by reference to the accompanying 

 diagram. The smaller objects mounted on special bases are not here 

 indicated, inasniuch as they are subject to change at any time. 



The regular working force of the department, aside from the cura- 

 tor, has been as follows: For the entire year, Mr. W.H.Newhall; since 

 October 30, Miss V. llurlbnt, and since March 6, Mr. G. C. Neale. 



