156 The Scottish Naturalist. 



cabinets below the table-cases, and as the specimens may be 

 handled and closely examined, they afford advantages in the way 

 of study, while, as they take up much less room than the mounted 

 specimens, the distribution of species in the area can be more 

 thoroughly illustrated, and, if thought desirable, the skins can 

 be mounted if space for exhibiting them is hereafter obtained. 



The native mammals of the area are about 30 in number, and 

 of these about 23 have been obtained already. Some of the 

 specimens — being species now of such rarity that they seldom if 

 ever occur (e.g., the wild cat) — are represented by specimens which 

 have been lent and not given. Amongst the birds are similar 

 species. Out of a total of 219 species of birds known to 

 inhabit Perthshire and the basin of the Tay, 153 are represented — 

 in most cases by several specimens — in the Museum, which is 

 very fair, considering the short time in which the collection has 

 been made. In addition to the birds themselves, a collection of 

 the nests and eggs of the species which breed in the area is being 

 formed. These are not kept in the same cases as the birds them- 

 selves, but in separate ones, and the labels attached to them 

 indicate the situation and materials of the nests, and the number 

 of eggs usually laid. 



The reptiles, amphibians, and fish are mostly preserved in fluid, 

 and are contained in appropriate jars. A few of the larger fish are 

 stuffed. To all, labels, giving as much information as possible 

 regarding the habits and distribution of the species, are attached. 

 Most of the 7 or 8 reptiles and amphibians which are found in the 

 area are represented, but of the fish we have only about 22 species 

 as yet. The number that occurs is somewhat uncertain, since in 

 the collection will be included the fishes that inhabit or visit the 

 mouth of the river. Particular attention is being given to the 

 variations presented by the common or yellow trout, and to 

 illustrate these, specimens are being obtained from every stream 

 and lake in the area. In addition to adult specimens, examples 

 of the various stages of growth will be shown when these can be 

 obtained, and in some instances (e.g., that of the salmon) a series 

 of these various stages has already been procured. The most 

 notable specimens at present in the Museum are a sturgeon about 

 8 feet in length, and a 54 lb. salmon, both from the Tay. 



The collections of invertebrate animals are as yet all contained 

 in cabinets below the table-cases. These cabinets contain glazed 

 drawers, and are closed by doors, which can be locked, but as it 

 is desirable that the collections should be available to be easily 

 inspected by visitors, the doors are left open. Considering the 

 fragile nature of some of the specimens (and, it may be added, the 

 pecuniary value of a few of them), this may seem to imply too 

 much confidence, but by a simple contrivance each drawer is so 

 constructed that it can be drawn out far enough to allow of the 

 contents being examined, but not of the glass cover being 



