Report of the President 47 



search of. This system has already proved its value, and was 

 quickly recognized as a needed help to the student. As in 

 previous years, the important additions to the cabinet, outside 

 of the Gem Collection, have come through the expenditure of 

 the interest on the Bruce Fund. 



These mineral additions, with one or two exceptions, are 

 not remarkable for their beauty, but have scientific value, 

 increase our series of localities and complete the collection 

 along the less conspicuous lines of interest, to which now addi- 

 tions must be largely confined. A little progress has also 

 been made in reestablishing the suite of gold specimens, and 

 from time to time this work will be advanced as opportunity 

 and funds permit. 



It is impossible not to reflect, in view of the occasional 

 splendid gifts of Mr. Morgan to the Gem Collection, that an 

 increased endowment of the minerals would allow the Museum 

 to compete for the possession of specimens which private col- 

 lectors practically absorb in the open market. However, this 

 deficiency of resources is fortunately compensated for, in a 

 measure, through Mr. Morgan's gifts, which, as they appertain 

 to the more expensive and splendid species of the mineral 

 kingdom, enable the Museum to secure in these species 

 phenomenal and unique specimens. 



One has only to look over the additions made by Mr. 

 Morgan this year to the Gem Collection to be impressed with 

 their immense value and corresponding beauty; the huge 

 Aquamarine from Brazil, the Euclase in the matrix, also from 

 Brazil, the now rare Benitoite from California, the marvelous 

 Rubellites, also from California, and the two almost unequaled 

 crystals of Kunzite of the highest gem quality, with a mam- 

 moth Quartz Sphere of absolute purity, illustrate strikingly 

 the fineness and the importance of this patron's generosity. 



An important purchase during the year, secured from our 

 general appropriation, was that of 585 Krantz wooden models 

 of the more common crystal forms of the representative min- 

 erals. These will be installed at the west end of the hall in a 

 separate case, thus avoiding the unfortunate effect of their 

 intercalation among the mineral specimens, where their appear- 

 ance would prove unpleasing and detrimental. The mounting 



