Annual Reports jy 



its entire extent, and the large gate on New Dorp Lane was completely 

 reconstructed. 



During one of the severe storms in January the skylight in the main 

 roof was blown off and had to be repaired and replaced. Several minor 

 repairs in the house were also attended to. 



During May the grounds were inspected and everything was found to 

 have survived the phenomenally cold winter quite satisfactorily. The 

 hedge was apparently in good condition, although many of the privet 

 hedges throughout the island suffered severely. The two Bartram oak 

 trees showed no indication of having been afifected by the cold and were 

 apparently preparing for a vigorous season's growth. 



Notes and Comments 



A verbal communication was recently received from Mersereau Chap- 

 ter, D. A. R., to the efifect that it is about to begin its allotted part in the 

 renovation and furnishing of the Cottage by assuming charge of one of 

 the bedrooms. Preliminary plans have already been submitted for the 

 consideration and approval of the committee. 



Among matters that will require attention in the near future are (i) 

 repairs to the fencing along the right of way between New Dorp Lane 

 and Neptune Street, (2) the fencing of the narrow strip along Neptune 

 Street, (3) the removal of certain trees which are in a dying condition, 

 (4) the planting of new trees. In this latter connection the committee 

 would be glad to have the cooperation and advice of the Section of Nat- 

 ural Science. 



In conclusion the com.mittee take advantage of this opportunity to 

 acknowledge another contribution of $100 from Dr. N. L. Britton for the 

 care and maintenance of the premises. 



John Q. Adams, 

 N. L. Britton, 

 Arthur Hollick, 



Committee. 



Report of the Committee of Arrangements for the Ceremonies 



Attending the Laying of the Cornerstone of the New 



Public Museum Building 



Prepared by Charles W. Leng, Secretary 



The cornerstone was laid at 3 :30 p.m. October 20, 1917, by Hon. Howard 

 R. Bayne, president of the Association, assisted by Robert Humphreys, the 

 mason in charge of construction, and Mark T. Milnes, the representative 

 of the contractor, John Milnes Company, in the presence of a large gather- 

 ing, among whom were the following members of the Board of Trustees : 

 Dr. John Q. Adams, Dr. N. L. Britton, Mr. William T. Davis, Mr. Anton 



