23 



claim upon the State. It is sincerely to be hoped that the strong inter- 

 est which has already been shown by the Legislature of Massachusetts 

 and our own citizens will not flag, and that sufficient aid will be given 

 to carry out and fully complete this admirable work within the lifetime 

 of the distinguished man who has done so much to elevate the tone of 

 thought, and improve the method of education in this, his adopted 

 country. 



PRESENT CONDITION OF THE BUILDING. 



The plans appended to this general statement will show the present 

 state of the Museum building. The appropriation of the Legislature of 

 the two past years has been devoted to enlarging the edifice. The 

 Director had thought that with this sum the north wing might be fin- 

 ished, this being all he has ever hoped to see completed during his own 

 lifetime ; but the means have proved insufficient, and the utmost that 

 could be done (the whole building having been originally planned in 

 sections so as to provide for its increase) was to add two fifths of the 

 north wing to the two fifths already standing, leaving the final fifth to 

 be added at some future time. Even for this partial success the Mu- 

 seum is greatly indebted to Mr. John H. Thorndike, who by his advice 

 and supervision as to the mode of building, and the making of con- 

 tracts, etc., has rendered it possible to complete this addition with all 

 the economy consistent with solidity and thoroughness. His services 

 have been freely given and have been invaluable. We are further in- 

 debted to Mr. R. H. Slack for his faithful supervision of the work, and 

 for the plans which accompany this pamphlet. It is but justice to add 

 that the manner in which Mr. Ebenezer Johnson is carrying out his 

 contract for the building is highly satisfactory. It now becomes a ques- 

 tion of great anxiety to the Director and to all the friends of the Institu- 

 tion how the means are to be provided for the most complete and useful 

 exhibition and arrangement of the collections in the new building. As it 

 is, but a small part of them can be fairly presented ; and even this par- 

 tial execution of the plan calls for an expenditure which will drain the 

 permanent resources of the Institution. 



We have thus presented the difficulties of the case, trusting that the 

 Legislature will take them into consideration, since they are entailed 

 upon the Museum by the very success which entitles it to their con- 

 tinued care. 



