During the past year, at the expense of our President and Mr. 

 James M. Constable, an expedition was sent to Montana for 

 buffalo, which did not result in securing the desired specimens, 

 but a large number of skeletons of buffalo and skins and skeletons 

 of other large mammals was obtained, which prove most valuable 

 additions to the Zoological department. 



As is shown by our Treasurer's report, there have been two 

 patrons and fifteen life members added to the membership. The 

 annual membership now amounts to five hundred and three 

 members, paying regularly their yearly subscriptions. It would 

 be very desirable if this source of income could be largely 

 increased. It is one of the best methods to supplement the 

 annual deficiency, which the Trustees each year, for a long time 

 past, have so generously supplied. 



The attendance of visitors during the past year have been 

 160,941, an increase of 34,636 over 1886 ; an average of 511 per 

 day. 



The collections of the Museum are now valued at the sum of 

 about $600,060, and it is but right to say that of this large 

 amount your Trustees have been the main contributors. The 

 necessity of adding to these collections increases as time goes 

 on, and it is hoped that more of our citizens will take an 

 earnest and increased interest in our Museum, and so aid the 

 Trustees in making this institution what it should be and what 

 our city has a right to expect — the great museum of the country. 



As was mentioned in the last annual report, the act to pro- 

 vide means for enlarging the present building became a law last 

 year. 



At a meeting of the Board, held December 22d, Messrs. J. C. 

 Cady & Co. were appointed by the Trustees the architects of the 

 additional structure, and the whole matter relating thereto was 

 placed in the hands of a building committee. Plans for the said 

 structure are now being carefully con~idered, and it is hoped 

 that during this year the foundation will be laid for the new 

 building. Additional exhibition space is imperatively demanded, 

 and any longer delay will result in serious injury to the Museum 

 and its collections. 



