(21) 
large shallow sink of especial construction has been provided 
in the physiological laboratory for use in investigations upon 
the influence of gas upon plants 
Four oak vertical files have been added to the equipment 
of the library for the purpose of containing the large series 
of illustrations at present in the cryptogamic herbarium, and 
a single vertical filing case has been placed in the office of 
the Assistant Director for the purpose of preserving scientific 
correspondence. In addition a special file has been provided 
for the paid vouchers of the institution which are stored in the 
publication room. 
The flagstaff over the main entrance, which was shattered 
by a stroke of lightning in July, 1903, has been repaired 
and put in good order by splicing the uninjured basal portion 
of the shaft. By a recent regulation, the colors are hoisted 
at 10 A. M. and lowered at 4.30 or 5 P. M., being displayed 
during the period in which the museum is open to visitors. 
It has been found necessary to detail two janitors for con- 
stant duty on the uppermost floor to meet the needs of the 
staff in the administration and care of the laboratories, library 
and herbaria. 
Conservatories 
The conservatories have been cared for in the usual man- 
ner. Houses no. 2, 3, 13 and 14 were repainted in the 
interior during the summer. New shades have been put in 
place as detailed by the Head Gardener. The breakage of 
glass during the year has been very small. It has been 
necessary to line up several batteries of steam pipes during 
the year and the doors at the main entrances demand constant 
attention from the carpenter and painter. Some important 
adjustments and replacements of broken parts of ventilat- 
ing apparatus were carried out by Hitchings and in 
November. 
During many days in the year the crowd in the conserva- 
tories taxes the capacity of the aisles to the utmost, but the 
system of regulation is so effective that visitors have been able 
to inspect the collections without inconvenience at any time. 
