1892.] NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 493 



specimens. The birds of North America have been remounted, and 

 many duplicates withdrawn. 



The wet preparations, especially those of reptiles and fishes, have 

 been placed in fresh alcohol. 



The positions of some of the cases in the museum have been 

 changed, making, as is supposed, inspection of their contents more 

 satisfactory. 



Specimens on the walls of the main stairway to the museum have 

 been re-arranged and labelled. The archreological collection has 

 been concentrated, and the Vaux collection of minerals is now 

 daily open to visitors. 



Air-tight dark cases for the preservation of duplicate mammal 

 and bird-skins have been provided, and a germicide has been placed 

 in all cases containing organic preparations. 



Many specimens loaned but not duly returned have been recov- 

 ered . 



At different times during the year the Curators have received 

 valuable assistance from Professors Cope, Ryder and Allen in iden- 

 tifying certain species of reptiles, fishes and bats among the wet 

 preparations. 



The labor of the Professor of the lower vertebrata during the year 

 is notable. He has re-labeled and numbered 403 trays and bottles 

 containing specimens of 178 species and varieties of 56 genera in the 

 carcinological collection, and prepared a complete catalogue of the 

 same. 



Lack of space for suitable arrangement and satisfactory exhibi- 

 tion of our great collections has existed many years. This need will 

 be supplied in the course of the next year. The erection of an 

 additional building, now in process of construction, w'ill add about 

 30,000 square feet to the floor space of the museum. For a large 

 part of the means to enable the Trustees of the building fund to do 

 this work, it seems proper to mention here that the Academy is 

 very much indebted to the ability and steadiness of purpose of 

 Professor Heilprin, who several times visited Harrisburg, and by 

 his representation to members thereof, greatly contributed to satisfy 

 the Legislature of Pennsylvania of the worthiness of the Academy 

 to receive pecuniary assistance from the State. Possibly, without 

 the influence of his intervention, appropriations might not have 

 been granted at the time. 



