NATURAL SCIENCES OK PHILADELPHIA. 
631 
1908.] 
portion of the lot. With the exception of works of reference (encyclo- 
pedias, etc.), and possibly those on general natural history, the entire 
library is to be arranged in tiers of steel stacks. At present five such 
tiers are provided for, extending from the ground to near the roof of 
the rear section of the new building, thus securing increased room 
which is sadly needed and, it is hoped, safety from fire. 
Mrs. James Woods, of Camden, Alabama, has thoughtfully presented 
to the Academy a collection of seventeen letters written by Isaac Lea, 
Timothy A. Conrad, Samuel G. Morton, Benjamin Silliman, William 
Hall and John Finch, from 1829 to 1835, to Judge Charles Tait, of Clai- 
borne, Monroe Co., Alabama, who was the first to develop, with his 
correspondents, the Claiborne beds, of so much interest in American 
geology as furnishing the most noted deposits of Eocene shells. The 
letters contain several items of personal interest and indicate especially 
the zeal and enthusiasm of a former President of the Academy, Isaac 
Lea. 
Acknowledgment is due William J. Fox, for his efficient assistance 
to the Librarian and the Publication Committee. 
Edward J. Nolan, 
Librarian. 
REPORT OF THE CURATORS. 
The erection of the new library, stack, lecture hall and study rooms 
and the alteration of the old building were begun early in the spring. 
At the present time the alterations are practically completed, while the 
new building is nearly ready for the roof. 
A handsome entrance hall has been constructed at the Logan Square 
front, which has been carried through the old lecture room, making a 
direct communication with the first floor of the Museum. The stair- 
ways which formerly connected the floors of the Museum have been 
removed to the vestibule, and all the rooms have been shut off both 
from the vestibule and from each other by regulation fire-doors, which 
greatly increase the safety of the collections. 
A fire-proof room has been constructed in the lower part of the old 
lecture hall, which will be fitted up for the accommodation of the 
alcoholic collections, where they will be shut off from all other pails 
of the Museum. 
Heat and gas pipes and electric light wires have been installed in the 
vestibules and entrance hall and a new boiler placed in the engine 
house. 
