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pared by the Architects of the Department, for a building to 

 be completed in sections, of which this is one. 



On June 2d, 1874, in the presence of the Governor of the 

 State, the Mayor of the City, the Commissioners of the De- 

 partment of Public Parks, the Trustees of the Museum, and 

 many distinguished guests, President Grant laid the corner 

 stone of this edifice. 



Soon after the Museum was opened to the public in the 

 Arsenal, applications were received from many of our ablest 

 naturalists, desiring to examine our specimens, and in this 

 way we were confirmed in our judgment, that a series of 

 rooms should be provided in the new building for the use of 

 those, who with such facilities could enlarge the boundaries 

 of Science, by their original investigations. 



Accordingly, the Legislature was petitioned for an ad- 

 ditional sum, which they promptly granted, .for equipping 

 and furnishing the building; and so judiciously and carefully 

 has this fund been expended, that the structure stands com- 

 pleted as you behold it to-day (within the appropriation). 



Curators of similar institutions in this country, and promi- 

 nent scientific gentlemen from abroad, have carefully ex- 

 amined this edifice, and pronounce it, both in the conception 

 of the whole plan, and in execution of the portion completed, 

 comparing favorably with any building heretofore constructed. 



Its durability, abundance and perfect diffusion of light, 

 and elegance of finish are evident to all. It is in all respects 

 adapted to our wants, for the preservation, exhibition, and 

 investigation of the collections therein contained. 



While the Building has been progressing, the Museum has 

 been constantly receiving large and choice collections. 



The daughter of the first President and liberal friend of 

 the Museum has presented as a memorial of her father, the 

 Jay collection of shells, and library of rare Conchological and 

 other scientific works. 



We consider it also a matter in which the Museum is to be 

 congratulated, that the Trustees and a few of its friends, have 

 secured to this city, by purchase, the great Geological and 

 Palaeontological collection of Prof. James Hall, of Albany, 



