Report on the New York State Museum. 63 



mentioned, to the State Hall, conveniences in the shape of 

 drawers having been prepared in the upper story of that build- 

 ing, and storage room in the basement. The collections were 

 packed in boxes, under his personal supervision, and transferred 

 to the State Hall, where, by the order of Chancellor Pierson, they 

 were placed in charge of Mr. Charles E. Beecher ; and by the 

 latter and Mr. J. M. Clarke were arranged in drawers as they 

 now remain, in the upper story of the State Hall. From that 

 time (1886) forward the State Geologist has had no official charge, 

 authority oi* control of these collections, until December, 1891, 

 when the Regents passed the following resolution : 



" That the State Geologist and Director of the New York State 

 Museum shall have immediate charge and control of the palseontologi- 

 cal collection, the work on the palaeontology and the publication of the 

 geological map of the State. He shall be responsible for the proper 

 expenditure of the funds allowed from the usual annual appropriation 

 for palaeontology under the direction of the committee, and shall 

 approve before payment all bills relating to the work under his personal 

 charge." 



After six years, the collections above described, are by this 

 resolution again placed under my charge and control. Under 

 these circumstances it seems desirable to put upon record some 

 information concerning the nature and amount of the material, 

 and some statement of its present condition. 



Therefore during the past season 1 have had a general inven- 

 tory of these collections made, and the same is herewith appended. 

 It is shown that the arranged collection occupies five rooms in 

 the upper story of the State Hall, as follows : 



In the south room (No. 39) of the building, occupied by Prof. 

 John M. Clarke, the Assistant Palaeontologist, there are 188 

 drawers occupied by tpyes and typical specimens which have 

 been used in the preparation of the preceding volumes of the 

 Palaeontology. There are 480 drawers occupied by collections 

 now in use for the preparation of the work on the Palaeontology. 

 A partial catalogue of these collections was communicated with my 

 report of last year, including the Crustacea. The work on the 

 catalogue has been continued by Mr. Clarke and a second portion 

 is communicated with this report. It is intended that the work 

 shall be continued during the ensuing year and the result com- 

 municated with the next annual report. 



