SEYENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 



Since the establishment of our institution, each 

 year has witnessed some distinct feature of progress. 



The past season has been characterized in a manner 

 no less favorable than its predecessors. The most 

 prominent object to which the efforts of the Trustees 

 have been directed since our last report, has been the 

 establishment of the Geological Department of the 

 Museum upon such a basis, both as to its extent and 

 authority, as to render it of high and permanent 

 scientific value ; and secondly to secure for our accom- 

 modation the completion of the new edifice now in 

 progress under the authority of the Commissioners of 

 the Central Park. 



The first of these objects has, we think, been satis- 

 factorily accomplished by the purchase of the private 

 collection of Professor James Hall, for so long a 

 period the distinguished head of the Commission for 

 the geological survey of the State of New York. 



The value of this collection is so well known to 

 scientific men, that it needs only a brief reference, and 

 we are sure that the friends and promoters of the 

 enterprise in which we are engaged, will regard it as 

 a matter of congratulation that a collection so rich 

 and so vast, is now to be brought forth from compar- 

 ative seclusion, placed at the great centre of popula- 

 tion, and made accessible to all. It constitutes a great 

 Museum in its special department, having more than 



