REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY. 41 



largo case was made for the filing of duplicate labels. The large sheet of plate glass 

 was fitted in the fur-seal case. A large sink with water connection was provided for 

 the annex building. The collection of snow-shoes was removed from screens in the 

 east hall and arranged on diaphragms over j)ier-cases. 



Mat/. — The painting of some old fiat-top cases in the main hall of the Smithsonian 

 building, for the department of mollusks, was commenced. Carpenters were en- 

 gaged for eight days in making alterations in the large wall-case at the west end of 

 the Anthropological hall, Smithsonian building. Casters were placed on some of the 

 cases in the southeast court, thus removing the cases and their contents out of the 

 way of dampness. The largo wall-case just referred to was painted. "Work was 

 commenced on the preparation of two hundred oak blocks for the installation of 

 spears. A car-load of sj)ecimens received from New Orleans was stored in the south- 

 east court. 



Jane. — The construction of settees for the Rotunda was completed. The large ebon- 

 ized cases for the Pottery hall were glazed, and locks were adjusted to cases in the 

 departments of lithology and comparative anatomy. Much was done in painting 

 walls, glazing and painting cases, diaphragms, pedestals, blocks, and label frames. 



During the year, besides the regular force, there were employed additional carpen- 

 ters, laborers, and painters, as occasion demanded. 



(&) Electric Service. 



Iii the basement of the Smithsonian building and in the main and 

 anthropological halls there have been placed electric call-bells for the 

 purpose of calling the superintendent during business hours and the 

 watchmen during the hours after the building is closed to the public. 

 Signal buttous have been placed near the bells. 



The watch-clock system, which has been in use for eight years, has 

 been re constructed aud put in good order. Three electric time-clocks 

 have been placed in the main exhibition hall and connected with the 

 standard clock in the Museum building. The annex building, carpenter- 

 shop, and paint- shop have been furnished with watch-clock service. 



A large gong has been placed outside of the east entrance for the pur- 

 pose of calling employes outside of the main building. 



The library has been connected with the office of the mammal depart- 

 ment by means of a call-bell, and. the engine-room is now similarly con- 

 nected with the photograph gallery. 



The time service, watch-clock service, and call-bell service have been 

 kept in good order. 



An electrical hydrostatic indicator has been placed In the Armory 

 building. 



Two call-bells have been placed in the south towers. The time clocks 

 are worked by a battery of fifty cells, a battery of forty-five cells work- 

 ing the other systems. These are in excellent condition. 



Considerable difficulty has been encountered in keeping the in- 

 trenched wires in order, on account of the heat and condition of the 

 trenches. 



A list of the electrical apparatus in the National Museum at the end 

 of June, 1885, was given in the last report,* since which date no im- 

 portant additions have been made. 



* Pages 27-29. 



