KEPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY. 67 



day, as the only method by winch the necessary temperature could be 

 maintained. This suggestion was accordingly carried out. It will, 

 however, undoubtedly be necessary to take some action in regard to 

 heating repairs and changes in the near future. 



In several instances it has been found advisable to change the posi- 

 tions of the radiators, and to make new connections. This work, and 

 all repairs to machinery, gas-fitting, plumbing, and the needed black- 

 smith's work, have been accomplished by men employed on the regular 

 Museum force. 



In prosecuting the general routine of Museum work, bids have been 

 advertised for and proposals invited, as in past years, but the list of 

 articles to be purchased has been shortened considerably, it having been 

 found that the requirements of the Museum are so varied that, except- 

 ing for articles of general use, it is impossible to anticipate the wants 

 for the entire year. 



As a result of the growth and needs of the Museum, it has been found 

 advisable, from time to time, to reconstruct many cases of the types 

 purchased in earlier years, and to make an inventory of cases and fur- 

 niture in the Museum, based upon new standards and nomenclature. 

 This work, as mentioned in a former report, was begun two years since, 

 under the direction of Mr. J. E. Watkins, the engineer of property. 



In making this inventory, every piece of furniture in the Museum has 

 been inspected ; the old numbers have been noted, and small brass 

 plates with the new numbers stamped on them have been attached to 

 more than 4,500 cases, bases, pedestals, stands, etc., and to the numer- 

 ous articles of office furniture. 



Wheuan article is condemned, or, by being incorporated with another, 

 loses its identity, the original number is noted in the office of the engi- 

 neer of property, and such record made that the history of each article 

 can be traced at any time without difficulty. 



With a view to simplifying the method of keeping account of services, 

 in January of this year a system of time-books was adopted, in which 

 the record of attendance is kept by the head of each department for 

 himself, and for all employes under his direction. 



These books give the name and designation of each person, the rate 

 of compensation, furnish an accurate record of attendance in each case, 

 and state the cause of any absence, so far as necessary to decide 

 whether such is to be counted against annual leave, excused on account 

 of illness, or charged against the individual and deducted from the 

 monthly compensation. 



These time-books, after being certified to by the head of each depart- 

 ment, are examined by the chief clerk of the Museum, and if found cor- 

 rect are signed by him and forwarded to the disbursing clerk, who uses 

 them as a basis in preparing the pay-rolls. 



This method not only simplifies the work in taking careful note of the 

 attendance, but is found advantageous from the facility with which 

 each individual record can be referred to. 



