68 Staten Island Association of Arts and Sciences 



time and services the director takes this opportunity to tender his sincere 

 thanks and appreciation. 



Museum and Library Accessions 



Accessions to the museum and library by gift, exchange, purchase and 

 collection were about as extensive and fully as varied and interesting as 

 in previous years. More than a thousand items were added to our posses- 

 sions and, virhile those that may be classified under the natural sciences 

 show a decrease in numbers as compared with last year, those that relate 

 to archeology, antiquities, and historical relics show an increase. A few 

 of the specimens of special interest were placed on exhibition; certain 

 others were mentioned in the Bulletin from time to time; and others 

 were shown and described at meetings of the Association and the sec- 

 tions; but most of them were, perforce, packed at once and stored for 

 future utilization. 



Lack of available time and opportunity for prosecuting any consider- 

 able amount of field work during the past year is largely accountable for 

 the decrease in the number of natural science items. 



Detailed statistics are included in the accompanying appendix, together 

 with a list of the donors of material and a list of the institutions from 

 which publications have been received in exchange during the year. Such 

 exchanges are not included in the list of accessions. 



From time to time, through the medium of the Bulletin, the director 

 has issued an appeal for some specific item, and seldom without securing 

 what was desired. All of these were mentioned and acknowledged in the 

 Bulletin ; but a special record should be made of the gift by Mrs. 

 EHzabeth Davis of a 28-foot flagpole and a 5 X 8-foot flag, which was 

 raised for the first time on Columbus Day, October 12, 1917. 



From a friend who prefers that his name be not mentioned the director 

 has also been assured of funds to any reasonable amount, to be expended 

 at his discretion in connection with the new museum building for any 

 purpose that may tend to economize time and labor, promote efficiency, 

 and produce desired results. 



FiELDWORK IN Connection with Other Organizations 



The director has enjoyed the privilege of acting as guide on several 

 occasions to parties and individuals visiting Staten Island for scientific 

 purposes. In connection with the Torrey Botanical Club, excursions were 

 made to Richmond Valley and Kreischerville on June 16; to Pleasant 

 Plains and Prince's Bay on August 4; and to Great Kill on August 11, in 

 connection with the annual celebration of " Salt Water Day." On July 7, 

 sixteen members and friends of the New York Mineralogical Club visited 

 the Museum and inspected our collections, and afterwards made a trip to 

 the Todt Hill iron ore localities. On June 11 Mr. Norman Taylor of the 

 Brooklyn Botanic Garden was guided to Todt Hill for the special purpose 



