March, 1842.] 161 



was sent to Dr. T. VV. Harris, of Cambridge, Mass., in the 

 year 1837, for the purpose of being re-arranged, determined, 

 and having the specimens of Mr. Thomas Say intercalated in 

 their appropriate places, and find that the insects have been 

 returned in so confused and ruined a condition as to render 

 them almost valueless ; that there is not a single insect 

 determined, except those by Dr. McMurtrie prior to the col- 

 lection having been sent to Dr. Harris, and that the species 

 in Mr. Say's collection have been in no instance intercalated t 



They further report, that as the greatest care was taken in 

 the carriage of the cases from the vessel to the Hall of the 

 Academy, on hand-barrows, the specimens could have sus- 

 tained no injury subsequent to their arrival in Philadelphia. 



The committee cannot refrain from expressing their regret 

 that if Dr. Harris, for whatever cause, declined the fulfilment 

 of his engagement to the Academy with respect to this col- 

 lection, that he did not at once return it, in order that it might 

 receive such attention as would have secured its value unim- 

 paired ; especially since he was duly notified of various reso- 

 lutions and inquiries, expressive of the anxiety felt for its safe 

 return. 



On behalf of the committee, 



J. S. Phillips, 

 Edw. Hallowell, 

 Wm. S. Vaux, 

 Robt. Pearsall. 

 Hall of the Academy, 

 March 29th, 1842. 



