28o Field Museum of Natural History — Reports, Vol. IV. 



masks from New Britain and ethnological material from German New 

 Guinea. 



The South American Zoological expedition is still in the field, being 

 last reported as in Southern Brazil with splendid results. The consign- 

 ments of material from the field reach the Museum at intervals of about 

 three months, and, as will be seen from the report on the Depart- 

 ment of Zoology made elsewhere, is giving the greatest satisfaction to 

 the department. 



The Museum is the grateful beneficiary of the results from a private 

 expedition to British East Africa and adjacent territories under Mr. 

 Brent Altscheler of Louisville, Kentucky, a hunter, a lover of science, and 

 a friend of the Museum. 



The announcement of the Hon. R. M. Barnes of Lacon, Illinois, that 

 he had constituted Field Museum of Natural History legatee under his 

 will for his collection of more than 24,000 birds' eggs was received by the 

 authorities of the Museum with the greatest satisfaction, for not only is 

 this act regarded as a high testimonial to the worthiness of the Museum 

 and an evidence of extending confidence in its purposes and perform- 

 ances, but it is of a great value to the Division of Ornithology to be as- 

 sured that eventually this great collection will be added to its resources. 



The progress made by the N. W. Harris Public School Extension dur- 

 ing the year, and the interest that the public and the Chicago schools 

 system have manifested in this exhibition of collections from the Muse- 

 um in the public schools, have encouraged the founder in this philan- 

 thropy, and inspired with zeal the organization which is dispensing it. 

 The preliminary stages in the difficult task of getting this undertaking 

 in full operation have been passed; the experimental period is practically 

 over, and when a few details, yet to be arranged with the Superintendent 

 of Schools have been determined upon, the regular distribution of these 

 cabinets will be begun. The force of scientific men and preparators 

 under the guidance of the efficient curator of this foundation have a 

 great many cabinets and cases completed, and recently, at the request 

 of the Council for Library and Museum Extension, made an exhibition 

 of a number of the collections at the Art Institute, which was very well 

 attended and very cordially commended. 



Maintenance. — The cost of maintenance for the year amounted to 

 $170,000, which was $5,000 less than the amounted authorized by the 

 Board of Trustees for the year ending December 31, 19 13. The total 

 amount expended for all purposes was $237,100, being $1,000 less than 

 the previous year. The difference between the cost of maintenance 

 and the actual amount expended is accounted for by special appropria- 

 tions for the purchase of collections, and the cost of extensive repairs to 



