8 REPORT OF NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM. 



foreign countries, from which we have received many valuable works 

 in exchange. We have a large number of letters from prominent per- 

 sons commending our reports. 



VISITORS. 



The number of visitors to the Museum has increased during the 

 past year. Had we room to display our exhibits in the proper manner, 

 many more would visit it. Many students from the State Schools and 

 the public schools have improved the chance to come and study the 

 different exhibits. It is the desire of the Commission and the Curator 

 to make the Museum an educational one, so that students from all 

 parts of the State can have a place to study the natural history as 

 well as the best work done in the public schools of the State. The 

 number of students who have improved this opportunity has greatly 

 increased in the past year. 



NEW CABINETS AND EXHIBITS. 



The new cabinets have given the geological department room to 

 better display the many New Jersey specimens it has had in storage 

 for many years. 



The collection of marine shells and shell fish has had many addi- 

 tions to it during the past year, and has become an interesting part 

 of the Museum. Professor John B. Smith, the State Entomologist, 

 is still adding to our valuable insect collection. To him is due the 

 credit for this fine exhibit of insects. 



THE NEEDS OF THE MUSEUM. 



The State Museum needs more room. The large display hall is 

 crowded, so that many of the specimens in it are not properly dis- 

 played, and many more cannot be unpacked. Our Educational and 

 Social Economy Exhibits have only a small part displayed, and one 

 small room in which the largest part is contained has to be kept locked 

 to keep the exhibits from being stolen. 



