112 
Field  Columbian 
Museum — ' 
Reports,  Vol.  i. 
to  assume  that  if  the  free  admissions  on  pay  days  in  any  par- 
ticular class  vary  one  year  from  another,  it  is  a  strong  indica- 
tion that  the  interest  of  this  class  is  abating.  The  Museum  has 
made  every  effort  to  encourage  principals  and  teachers  of  schools 
of  all  characters  to  induce  their  scholars  and  students  to  utilize  the 
opportunities  offered  by  the  institution  to  broaden  and  emphasize  their 
education  in  scientific  and  technical  directions,  and  it  must  be  admitted 
that  the  Museum  has  been  impressed  during  the  year  with  the 
indifference  of  teachers  ;  more  especially  those  of  the  public  schools. 
Several  schools  have  carried  this  indifference  to  the  point  of  not  even 
providing  their  scholars  with  the  tickets  that  are  furnished  through  the 
office  of  the  Superintendent  of  Schools.  It  would  seem  that  if  the 
attention  of  the  proper  authorities  was  brought  to  this  condition  of 
affairs,  remedial  measures  might  be  adopted.  A  great  many  classes, 
and  notably  classes  from  the  parochial  schools  have  visited  the 
Museum  accompanied  by  teachers  to  take  up  some  particular  line  of 
study,  and  in  some  instances  after  collections  have  been  inspected  and 
notes  taken,  talks  upon  the  collections  have  been  made  in  the  Lecture 
Hall,  the  Curators  often  performing  this  service.  This  seems  the 
most  desirable  method  of  utilizing  the  material  in  the  Museum  for 
the  education  of  the  young,  and  it  is  encouraged  in  every  way  possible. 
Herewith  are  submitted  financial  statements,  analysis  of  attend- 
ance, list  of  accessions,  names  of  members,  etc.,  etc. 
FREDERICK  J.  V.  SKIFF, 
Director. 
