(x1) 
As recorded by Dr. Murrill, in his report as First Assistant, 
the chestnut trees, both within the hemlock forest and at 
other points within the grounds, have been decimated by the 
ravages of the chestnut fungus, which it has been impossible 
to combat; a large number of these dead trees were removed 
during the early part of the year and others should be cut 
down within the next few months. In accordance with the 
terms of the agreement with the Park Department relative to 
the hemlock grove, the cutting out of any trees within the 
grove has been under the observation of an official of the 
Park Department detailed for this duty. 
Museums 
Detailed accounts of additions to the public museums and 
of additional cases constructed during the year, will be 
found in the reports of the Head Curator of the Museum and 
Herbarium and of the Honorary Curator of Economic Col- 
lections, hereto appended. The general plan of work has 
been the same as in preceding years, looking toward the more 
complete and satisfactory illustration of the various groups of 
objects, by the addition of fruits, seeds, barks, woods, and 
other products, and of photographs and other illustrations. 
Continued attention has also been given to the labelling of the 
collections. 
he addition of six large floor cases in the basement of 
the museum hall permits the display of a large number of 
additional specimens of fossil plants which have been held in 
storage, and this installation is now in progress. 
A large number of photographs illustrating various phases 
of plant life have been accumulated which it is desirable to 
frame and hang on the museum walls and it is hoped that 
some progress may be made with this work during the year. 
Herbarium 
The development of the collection of dried specimens has 
been continued, the additions to this collection aggregating 
about 49,000 specimens, partly received in previous years 
