46 EEPOKT OF THE SECRETARY. 



proofs have also been read by the job. The work has comprised the proof reading of 

 the Twentieth Annual Report, Bulletin 27, and Bulletin 25, and of the galleys of the 

 Twenty-first and Twenty-second Annual Reports, the preparation of a list of abbre- 

 viations for Bulletin 25, and the reading in manuscript of the ^Slayan and Mexican 

 papers already mentioned. 



Although V>ooks and documents relating to ethnology were collected to a limited 

 extent by the Geological Surveys almost from their inception, the library of the 

 Bureau did not have a separate existence until 1882, at which time a librarian 

 was first appointed in the United States Geological Survey, with which organization 

 the Bureau was still domiciled. The systematic acquisition of volumes by purchase 

 and exchange was begun at this time, though the first entry in the accessions list 

 was not made until 1885. From then until the separation from the Survey the 

 record shows a steady though slow growth, as allotments for purchase were small. 

 At the time of the removal from the Survey building, in 1893, the accessioned vol- 

 umes numbered about 2,500. Since that date growth has been more rapid, jjartly 

 by reason of larger allotments for purchase, but chiefly through judicious exchange. 

 The library now contains 11,803 volumes, something over 6,000 pamphlets, and 

 several thousand numbers of periodicals, many of which should ])e bound and 

 entered on the accessions list. 



Only works dealing with the American Indians and such general anthropologic 

 works as are needed for constant reference are purchased, though books and papers 

 dealing with all branches of anthropology and with related sciences are received by 

 exchange. 



During the year there have been received 524 volumes, about 600 ])amphiets, and 

 the current numbers of more than 500 periodicals. 



PKOi'EKTV. 



The property of the Bureau may be comprised in seven classes, as follows: ( 1 ) Office 

 furniture, appliances, and supplies; (2) field outfits; (3) ethnologi<! manuscripts and 

 other documents; (4) illustrations — photographs, drawings, etc.; (5) books and 

 periodicals; (6) collections held temporarily by collaborators for use in research; 

 (7) undistributed residue of the editions of Bureau publications. 



The additions to the office and field jiroperty during the year have been few and 

 unimportant. Numerous minor manuscripts have ))een added, principally in con- 

 nection with the Dictionary of Indian Tribes. The illustrations material has been 

 increased by several hundred negatives and by numerous prints and drawings. The 

 library has continued to grow steadily through exchange and purchase. 



When the present Chief took charge of the office Mr. F. M. Baj-nett was occupying 

 the position of custodian of accounts and ])roperty. It was ascertained during the 

 spring that vouchers were being tamj^ered with by him, and he was promptly arrested 

 and indicted. 



A critical examination of the Bureau accounts thus became necessary, and all 

 papers connected with disbursements were at once turned over to the disbursing 

 officer of the Smithsonian Institution, who proceeded to give them the fullest atten- 

 tion. One noteworthy result of this examination was the discovery of the fact that 

 deficiencies existed for the years 1901 and 1902 amounting to between $600 and $700. 

 Fortunately the accounts at the close of the present year were in such shape that a 

 sufficient balance remains to liquidate this indebtedness if Congress so desires. At 

 the close of the year the accounting work was again placed in charge of the Bureau, 

 and along with its other affairs was reorganized and put on a proper business footing. 



