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7

and weaving establishments to become practically familiar with the processes.
   Although it is very desirable that the microscope should be brought into use in the study and identification of the fibres and fabrics, foods and adulterants, the opportunities for such examinations are extremely limited at present.  They are certainly important, and the credit of the museum demands that its officers should be competent to treat any question of importance that is presented, intelligently, and with adequate knowledge of the work and methods of others.  To do this requires much study and experimenting.  At present the acting curator in this section is uncertain whether it would be better to devote this time principally to study and investigation, or to the display of specimens without order or reason.  In the one case the benefits would be seen in the future; in the other the activity of the section would be [[strikethrough]] [[illegible]] [[/strikethrough]] seen now.  The appointment of an assistant as suggested, would solve the difficulty in the most satisfactory way, by permitting the work of installation to go on steadily, while the other work is progressing.