160 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1884 



Since his connection with the National Museum, in an honorary 

 capacity, the curator has repeatedly called attention to the fact that 

 without additional accommodation for his department it would be im- 

 possible to so arrange the collection as to make it of much practical 

 value, and it is now with a desponding spirit that he again urges that 

 something may be done for relief. All the available shelf-space is 

 overcrowded, specimens have to be placed on the floor or in an adjoining 

 hall, and much material that is valuable is hidden away in clumsy tanks, 

 deposited in almost inaccessible corners. 



Owing to other and important official duties, it is impossible for 

 the curator to give his entire time to reptilian work, and without 

 assistance the department will gradually merge into the condition it 

 was when he first took charge of it. With becoming deference he 

 thinks this should not be permitted ; an enormous amount of work has 

 been expended in the department, and, with pardonable pride, he thinks 

 that under the circumstances it compares most favorably with any of 

 the other departments in the National Museum. 



It must be conceded by all who have looked into this subject that the 

 Eeptile Department is of quite as much importance to the Museum and 

 to the scientific public as any of the other departments, and for this 

 reason the curator again respectfully calls the attention of the Director 

 to his recommendation of last year, that the person in charge should be 

 a salaried officer, and be required to give his entire time to the duties 

 of his office. This the present curator cannot do, and it will therefore 

 be understood that no motive of self-interest prompts him in this sug- 

 gestion. 



