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13.

Smithsonian building, which will be put in place as soon as suitable cases are provided for it.

It has already been explained why a categorical enumeration of the material, reserve and duplicate, in the custody of this department is at present impracticable and even an estimate of it must be of a very approximate nature. Such an estimate is given in App. E.

Recommendations and general remarks.

It has been shown that the entries of the past six months exceed somewhat those for the twelve months next preceding them, and there is reason to believe that the coming year will show a much greater increase.  This is the result of assiduous work by all connected with the department.

The great need of the department is moderately skilled and intelligent clerical labor. One or two persons who could be trusted to assort mixed material, recognize the commoner genera and label without constant supervision would be invaluable.

But the character of the natural history taught in schools and colleges at present, though perhaps useful as an element of general culture, is not fitted to produce systematic students or good museum assistants.