XXXII BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY 



A class of ])ropertv of some iiuportaiice is the accuuiiilated 

 residue of publications. The greater part of the edition of tlie 

 reports available for distribution by the Bureau is sent to ex- 

 changes and correspondents inuuediately on issue, but a lim- 

 ited number of copies of each edition remains for distriljution 

 in accordance with subsequent demands. The residue of the 

 several editions not completely exhausted is kept under the 

 supervision of Mr F. W. Hodge. The editions of most of the 

 reports are exhausted ; the undistriljuted residue consists of 

 about 4,300 volumes. 



A somewhat important class of property, though of limited 

 value, is office furniture, with the requisite stationery for cur- 

 rent use, as well as photographic apjjaratus and material. The 

 aggregate value of the furniture and apparatus is less than 

 S2,500. The custody and use of furniture, apparatus, station- 

 ery, and other materials are regulated by a custodial system 

 de^'ised for the purpose, which has been found to work satis- 

 factorily. 



A considerable number of original engravings used for the 

 illustration of reports are catalogued and arranged in cases in 

 the office of the Bureau, while the original copy for illustra- 

 tions is also preserved, so far as is practicable, in charge of the 

 illustrator. The stereotype plates from which the reports are 

 printed are, from time to time, turned over to the Bureau by 

 the Publii; Printer. These are stored partly in tlie Smithsonian 

 building, partly in the basement of the building in which the 

 office is located. 



Experience has shown that, under existing conditions, it is 

 inexpedient to acquire field property in any considerable 

 amount, since the cost of purchase and maintenance of ani- 

 mals, vehicles, and camp equipage exceeds the charges "for 

 hire ; accordingly, there is practically no field property in the 

 possession of the Bureau. 



The collaborators engaged in field operations collect ethno- 

 logical material, in greater or less quantities, for purposes of 

 study. All sucli material is transferred to the National 

 Museum, and commonly its study is carried on within that 

 building. 



