FOURTH REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 1907 7 



The distribution of the various collections was stated specifically 

 in the report of last year. It remains unchanged. The materials 

 of the museum now occupy parts of 



A Geological Hall 



B State Hall 



C Capitol 



D Storage house, Orange street 



E Flint Granite Co., Cemetery Station 



F Property of Joseph L. Verstrepen, Delaware street 



The offices of the members of the staff are also divided, part in 

 the State Hall, another part in the Geological Hall. 



The State ^Museum is a divided house, but not a house divided 

 against itself. It stands, and there is every reason to believe that its 

 work fortifies it by an uninterrupted progress along lines that are 

 not alone of immediate practical import to the commercial interests 

 of the State, but, of far greater ultimate moment to the community, 

 also to a more adequate conception of the works and processes of 

 nature. In the world's history never has the fact been made clearer 

 than now that the State which most encourages scientific investiga- 

 tions for the purpose alone of determining the relation of its citizen- 

 ship to the active natural forces on which that citizenship depends is 

 performmg its highest duty to the community and insuring its own 

 stability. Though every channel of scientific knowledge seems 

 gorged with details of information which few can digest, yet out of 

 this choked and tangled mass, gradually unravel the guiding lines of 

 knowledge which must give direction to the future progress of 

 the race. 



The new museum. In view of the dismembered condition of 

 the State collections and the widely separated divisions of the work- 

 ing force, the advent of new and adequate quarters is hailed as 

 the opening of an era which can not fail to infuse a wholesome spirit 

 and a more definite objective in the labors of this organization. 



In the 70 years of its history the scientific departments have had 

 no direct appeal to the people save through the avenue of publica- 

 tion. It has been at no time possible to adequately display the 

 tangible evidence of the State's natural resources. The real educa- 

 tional value of the collections is still untried though not unprovcn. 



The provision made for museum quarters in the new Education 

 HuiMing on the basis of plans which have now been approved 

 by the commission in charge thereof, will be not only adequate 

 for present needs ; it is hoped that provision has been made therein 



