DEPARTMENT OF MINERALOGY. 145 



examined and named. In connection with this petrographical 

 work, 110 micro-sections of rocks have been examined and 

 entered in the slip-catalogue. 



The " Introduction to the Study of Rocks " has been 

 revised, and a new edition has been issued. 



Two hundred and thirty five thin sections of rocks and 

 minerals have been prepared and mounted for examination 

 with the microscope. 



The various schemes of classification of Minerals have been 

 under critical consideration. 



The fittings of many of the glazed ends of the table-cases 

 have been re-distempered ; this has involved much displace- 

 ment and re-arrangement of the larger specimens. 



Much work has been done on the insides of the table-cases 

 by the carpenter to render them more dust-proof. 



Assistance has been given in the revision of the proofs of 

 the Catalogue of the Museum Library. 



One hundred and fifteen boxes of mineral specimens have 

 been received, unpacked, and examined; 75 boxes have been 

 packed and despatched. 



Departmental Library. 



To the Departmental Library have been added continuations 

 of 35 periodicals (in 548 parts), 31 volumes of separate works, 

 and 61 pamphlets and parts of works ; of these 32 pamphJets 

 and 11 periodicals (in 141 parts) were acquired by presentation 

 or transfer. 



All of them, including 380 plates, have been registered 

 and stamped. 



Visitors and Students. 



The number of visits recorded as made to the Department 

 for purposes of consultation or study is 1,173. 



The Gallery is no longer reserved on particular days of the 

 week for the exclusive use of Students ; further, tlie study- 

 series are in the public gallery and directly accessible to the 

 public, and are so arranged as to render all reference to the 

 stafi" unnecessary : it has thus become difiicult to distinguish 

 " Students" of minerals from ordinary " Visitors," and streps 

 can be no lono'er laid on the distinction. 



Exchanges. 



Exchanges of specimens have been made with the Musce 

 d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, the Institute of Mines, St. Peters- 

 burg, and C. S. IJement, Esq., of Philadel] hia, U.S.A. 



136. K 



