LIBRARY. During the year the library received 10,793 books, pamphlets, and periodicals and 439 maps, a total of 11,232 publications. It has become increasingly difficult to obtain European publications, particularly from Germany and Austria-Hungary. The files of technical and scientific serials published in those countries since the war began are much broken, and almost all the new books are lacking. With these exceptions practically all the new literature of geology has been obtained, and also a few important older publications. Current accessions were catalogued as received and included 6,276 items. The catalogue was increased by the addition of 9,646 new cards. Systematic efforts have been made by correspondence with societies, institutions, and individuals to fill out and complete sets of serials. These efforts are bringing many valuable additions to the library. Titles sent to the Library of Congress for printing numbered 998; letters received, 3,682; letters written, 2,984; books collated and sent to the bindery, 2,375. The loans during the year included 6,922 books and 354 maps, a total of 7,276. This number does not include books consulted in the library by 8,198 readers. The bibliography of North American geology for 1915 (Bulletin 645) was completed and the proof read. Work on the cumulated bibliography of North American geology has been continued, and the compiler has cooperated with the committee on geologic names in preparing tables of geologic formations. Many bibliographic lists have been prepared, and a large amount of research work has been done for members of the Survey, this work including the translation of 52 letters and papers. The reports and maps published by the Survey during the year were promptly distributed to the exchanges of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Foreign sendings were made four times during the year, but it has been necessary to withhold distribution to addresses in the countries at war, the international exchanges having been suspended to all these countries except Great Britain, France, and Italy. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUREAU OF MINES." VAN. H. MANNING, DIRECTOR. PURPOSE AND DUTY OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. The Bureau of Mines was established in recognition of the need of a Federal bureau that should work for greater safety and efficiency in the mineral industries. A series of large coal-mine explosions shortly prior to the creation of the bureau served to emphasize the need. The bureau's work is aimed to advance the public welfare by promoting better health and greater safety for miners and the workers in the different branches of the mineral industry and by preventing waste and increasing efficiency in the preparation and utilization of the Nation's mineral resources. In its efforts to bring about safer and more healthful conditions and to increase efficiency and lessen waste, the bureau seeks the cooperation of all interested persons, and it welcomes the assistance of workmen's organizations, of technical societies, and of State officials and State governments in the work for the development of State mining laws and of more effective mine rules and regulations. LAWS GOVERNING THE WORK OF THE BUREAU. NEW ORGANIC ACT. The revised organic act of the Bureau of Mines was signed by the President on February 25, 1913. The text of this act (37 Stat., 681) is as follows: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the act to establish in the Department of the Interior a Bureau of Mines, approved May sixteenth, nineteen hundred and ten, be, and the same is hereby, amended to read as follows: "That there is hereby established in the Department of the Interior a bureau of mining, metallurgy, and mineral technology, to be designated the 'Bureau of Mines,' and there shall be a director of said bureau, who shall be thoroughly This report covers only the routine work of the bureau. A much fuller report of the bureau's activities is being prepared for publication as a bulletin addressed to the mining and metallurgical industries, written in such form as to interest the general public. Single copies may be obtained free by addressing the Director, Bureau of Mines, Washington, D. C. |