Jan., 1907. Annual Report of the Director. 



9 



change was that of the fiscal year, which was made to close December 

 thirty-first, instead of September thirtieth, each year. This report, 

 consequently, covers fifteen months — namely, from October first, 

 1905, to December thirty-first, 1906. 



A provision in the will of Mr. Field gave to the Museum the sum 

 of four million dollars for a building to be erected upon a site to be 

 furnished for that purpose, provided a suitable one is procured 

 within six years from the date of Mr. Field's death. The plans for 

 the new building which Mr. Field had under personal and constant 

 supervision for over a year before his death, and in which he took the 

 deepest interest, were upon a scale calling for the expenditure of more 

 than four million dollars. The architects have, therefore, been en- 

 gaged the past year in conforming the plans to these new conditions, 

 and in this work the Director and the Curators of the scientific 

 departments have been giving aid. The plans are now practically 

 complete, and all of the authorities have agreed upon their adaptability 

 and ampleness to and for the practical purposes of the Museum, and, 

 when pending questions affecting the proposed site in Grant Park 

 shall have been determined, work upon the new building will be com- 

 menced. Messers. D. H. Burnham & Company are the architects. 



The donation of $20,000, made by Robert F. Cummings for the 

 purpose of an ethnological survey of the Philippine Islands, has en- 

 abled the Museum to inaugurate this work among the peoples of that 

 archipelago. It is believed that the contribution of Mr. Cummings 

 will be supplemented from other sources, if not increased by himself, 

 and that the Museum will be able to maintain parties for investigation 

 and collection in these islands for several years. Account of what has 

 already been accomplished in carrying into effect the intentions of 

 this contribution will be found in this report, among the references to 

 the department of Anthropology. 



Maintenance. — The amount expended for the maintenance of the 

 Museum from October 1, 1905, to December 31, 1906, was $156,415, 

 which, considering the period covered, fifteen months, is well within 

 the authorized Budget. This is especially gratifying when the unusual 

 cost of repairs and improvements to the building is considered, which, 

 as years go on, naturally demand increased attention and watchful- 

 ness. The total amount expended, as shown by the financial state- 

 ment, was $236,740; the difference is accounted for by special appro- 

 priations for cases, expeditions, and collections purchased. 



Staff of the Museum. — The resignation of Curator D. G. Elliot 



