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17.

I would also recommend that in addition to its list of accessions, the annual and monthly reports of each curator should contain a statement of specimens sent out, in exchange or by donation, or with names for the assistance of local students. Much of this work is among the important results of the Museum organization and should be put on record in the reports as such, in order that the Museum may receive due credit for it, and that the public may know that such services are rendered.

It would also add to the completeness of the exhibit of the activity of the National Museum, were such specialists as receive material from the Museum for investigation, or books from the Museum Library for use in study, to be called upon to make an annual report more or less precise, of the kind and amount of material, or the number of books, in their hands, to the Director of the Museum.

It may be thought that some of these suggestions exceed in their range, those limits which might be supposed to hedge in a Curatorship. If this be the case I have only to say that they are inspired by a desire for the utmost efficiency and prosperity