20 Rep oi' t of the President. 



The formation -of a local collection of insects, or of those 

 found within a radius of fifty miles from this city, was commenced 

 a few years since and is now nearly complete ; for the pupils of 

 public and private schools, the collection will possess special 

 interest and be a means of education in natural history study. 

 Many of these species could be utilized in the preparation of 

 insect groups, combined with natural accessories, after the manner 

 used in the construction of groups of mammals and birds. 



The Library. — Late in the year the removal of the books to 

 the new quarters provided in the west wing was completed, the 

 stacks and shelves of which, constructed of iron, are planned in 

 conformity with the most approved designs. 



The windows afford ample light except on dark days, and for 

 such occasions the alcoves have been furnished with stationary 

 and portable electric lights. Stacks were built in double stories 

 and are supplied with japanned racks, numbered. 



The books are classified in sections with reference to the vari- 

 ous branches of natural history, also geographically. Scientific 

 periodicals, domestic and foreign, are placed in the gallery racks. 

 Room has been provided for the placement of fifty thousand 

 volumes. 



The accessions received this year exceed those of any preced- 

 ing year in the history of the Museum. The librarian reports a 

 gain of 3,350 volumes, 3,874 numbers and parts, and 367 pam- 

 phlets, making the total number of volumes at the close of the 

 year, 35,852. 



Although the Library now takes high rank among those per- 

 taining to natural history, it is nevertheless deficient in several 

 branches, and a special appropriation of five thousand dollars 

 annually could be advantageously expended in adding publica- 

 tions desired by the several departments. 



Department of Public Instruction. — The growth of this 

 department has continued, and its usefulness has widened. 



Prof. Albert S. Bickmore, Curator of the department, planned 

 to. provide means for the teachers in the kindergarten and primary 

 departments of our public schools, to teach their pupils by the 



