10 Drrector’s REpvort OF THE 
“Ground was broken for the foundations of the building in 
September, 1897, and the work proceeded as expeditiously as the 
‘conditions would allow. — 
“The style of the structure is certainly in keeping with its 
purpose, and must be commended for its quiet and simple dignity. 
The quality of the construction has been most thorough and satis- 
factory. This has not been due so much to the faithful and un- 
relenting inspection of the supervising architect, Mr. Charles F. 
Crandall, of Rochester, as to the ability and business integrity of 
the contractors. No matter how keensighted and insistent an 
architect may be, he is often unable to secure desirable results at 
the hands of irresponsible builders. This institution is fortunate 
in having entered into contracts with men whose honorable pur- 
poses rendered their bonds a superfluous legal form. The build- 
ing committee takes this occasion to express its appreciation of 
the most excellent plans and specifications furnished by Hon. I. G. 
Perry, State Architect, of the faithful and efficient services of 
Mr. Charles F. Crandall, of Rochester, supervising architect, of 
the most thorough and elegant plumbing and drainage work in- 
stalled after the plans and under the direction of Henri D. Dickin- 
son, of New York city, and of the thorough and honorable execu- 
tion of their contracts by the several contractors mentioned above.” 
General construction.— This new laboratory stands about 300 
feet east of the Director’s office, facing north and fronting upon 
North Street. It consists of a main building, 88 by 38 feet, and 
two wings extending 30 feet to the rear, between which is an open 
court at the rear 16 feet in width, insuring ample light and venti- 
lation to all working parts of the building. The front is in three 
sections, of which the central one of 46 feet projects 4 feet. In 
front of this is a porch 9 feet wide and 41 feet long, with a 
veranda upon which doors open from the second story. The two 
stories, 11 and 10 feet in height, respectively, of both main build- 
ing and wings are made of the best quality of cream-colored 
pressed brick, and trimmed with Medina stone. The basement 
extends under all parts of the building and is 11 feet clear, the con- 
