SECRETARY'S REPORT 39 
and Higgins, Architects, and Vermilya-Brown Company, General 
Contractors, for the completion of 12 galleries in these unfinished 
areas. The floor plan has been approved, and bids are now being taken 
from subcontractors. It is anticipated that actual construction will 
begin in August 1949 and that the work will be completed by May 1950. 
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE BUILDING 
The usual routine work in connection with the care and maintenance 
of the building andits mechanical equipment was carried on throughout 
the year. 
The three older refrigeration compressors were completely dis- 
mantled and overhauled, including the purge compressors. Three 
chilled-water pumps, including the electric motors, were completely 
overhauled and realigned by the mechanical staff. Twelve supply 
fans were cleaned and repainted to protect them against corrosion, 
The structural steel base for the large 400-horsepower motor driving 
No. 2 Worthington refrigeration machine was strengthened in order 
that this large motor would remain in alignment. ‘To correct serious 
leaks in two of these machines, the technical staff successfully made 
and installed the necessary parts. 
The cornice metal lining at the top of the exterior wall of the 
building developed leaks, and approximately 50 percent of the joints 
in the metal lining were cleaned and soldered. 
In connection with the Inaugural Reception, the technical staff 
installed floodlights on three sides of the building, assisted the person- 
nel of the U.S. Army Signal Corps in the installation of a loud-speaker 
system on the main floor, and installed extra electric lines and water 
lines for the use of the caterer. The maintenance staff erected exten- 
sive checking facilities for the proper care of wraps. 
Twelve new display cases were constructed by the staff for the 
Gulbenkian Exhibition. 
Care and improvement of the Gallery grounds and other miscella- 
neous work progressed satisfactorily. Potted plants, totaling 2,366, 
which were used for decoration in the two garden courts, were grown in 
the southwest moat. In addition, over 350 large pots of chrysanthe- 
mums were also grown in this moat area, and these plants provided 
the decoration for the two garden courts during the months of October 
and November. 
COMMITTEE OF EXPERT EXAMINERS 
During the year the United States Civil Service Commission’s 
Committee of Expert Examiners, composed of staff members of the 
Gallery, aided in the drafting of standards for Civil Service positions in 
which a knowledge of the history of art is a basic requirement. The 
866591—50-——4 
