44 



The Council would further report upon the condition of the 

 Society : 



As to Museum 



A number of additions have been made to the collections 

 of the Society and placed in the exhibition cases. 



The loan collection of paintings from the Metropolitan 

 Museum of 'Art has been improved. Several pictures have 

 been removed and others were installed in their places. 



The collection of rare prints and engravings loaned by J. 

 Clarence Davies, Esq., is still in place. Mr. Davies has agreed 

 to send many additions, which will make the collection an im- 

 portant feature of the Society's exhibitions. 



During the summer and fall of 191 7 there was a notable 

 increase in the attendance at the Mansion, particularly on 

 Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. 



From January 15 to March 25, 19 18, the Mansion was 

 closed by reason of the lack of fuel. During this period Dr. 

 N. L. Britton, Chairman of the Museum Committee, placed 

 office accommodations in the museum building of the Botan- 

 ical Garden at the disposal of the Secretary. 



As to Poe Cottage 



On December 31, 19 17, a special committee, under the 

 chairmanship of Hon. William W. Niles, secured a satisfac- 

 tory agreement with the city authorities for the care and 

 control of the cottage for a term of five years. 



The Poe Cottage Committee under the chairmanship of 

 Mrs. A. C. Fisk, aided by Mr. Reginald Pelham Bolton, Mr. 

 Charles W. Stoughton, and others, of the committee, have 

 been actively engaged in restoring the cottage to its original 

 condition. Many radical improvements have been made, ne- 

 cessitating a considerable expenditure. The funds were raised 

 by an appeal to the public, which has largely responded. 



A detailed report of this work and of the many functions 

 organized and carried out by the committee, will be made in 

 the report of Mrs. Fisk. 



