1853.] 457 



Of nests, those of 2 species of birds, and of eggs, those of 4 species have been 

 presented. 



Reptilia. Of this class 57 specimens of 35 species have been presented, prin- 

 cipally by the Smithsonian Institution. Besides these Dr. Ford, of the Gaboon 

 mission, presented a valuable collection from Western Africa. 



Pisces. 6 species of fishes have been presented. 



Molhisea. A large collection of marine shells from Lower California were 

 presented by Dr. Heermann, and a small collection from Texas by Dr. Engel- 

 mann, besides which Mr. Lea presented an interesting specimen of Fholas dac- 

 tylusy piercing gneiss. 



Crustacea. Of this class 9 species have been presented, principally by the 

 Smithsonian Institution. 



Lisectay Myriapoda and Zoophyta. A collection of insects and myriapods of 

 Western Africa was presented by Dr. Ford, and several species of insects from 

 the same locality by Dr. Hays. A few insects and echinoderms from Texas 

 were presented by Dr. Engelmann. 



Comparative Anatomy. To this department, during the past year, the cabinet 

 has received the richest accessions. 



The entire anatomical collection of our late lamented president, Dr. Morton, 

 consisting of 867 human crania, 601 crania of inferior animals, and other osteo- 

 logical specimens, was purchased by a number of members and liberal citizens 

 and presented to the Academy. 



Mr. Fahnestock presented a collection of 33 crania of birds and mammals. 

 Besides these 10 other, anatomical specimens have been received, among which 

 are a fine cranium of Phoca hptonyxy presented by Lieut. M. G. Watson, 

 U. S. N., one of Aiichenia Lama^ presented by Dr. James M. Greene, U. S. N., 

 and one of an aboriginal American by Dr. R. W. Gibbes. 



Botany. Our herbarium has been enriched by a collection of Arctic plants, 

 presented by Dr. E. K. Kane, U. S. N., and one of 61 species of woods from Dr. 

 Engelmann, of St. Louis. Besides the above, 59 botanical specimens were pre- 

 sented, among which is a collection of marine algae from Mr. Ashmead, and 16 

 species of fruits from Mr. Ellis Yarnall, Jr. 



Palaeontology. 112 specimens of organic remains have been presented, prin" 

 cipally from Dr. A. T. King, Mr. L. J. Germain, and Mr. T. Conrad. Among 

 them is the unique specimen of the Bathygnathus borealisy of the New Red Sand- 

 stone of Prince Edward's Island, presented by Messrs. Lea, Vaux and Dr. Leidy. 



Mineralogy. Of minerals 31 specimens have been presented, prmcipally by 

 Mr. C. M. Wheatley and Dr. Rand. 



The above report is respectfully submitted by 



Joseph Leidy, 

 December 2'7th, 1853. Chairman of the Curators. 



Tbe Annual Report of the Treasurer was read and referred to the 

 Auditors. 



Mr. Yaux offered a Resolution which was adopted, *' that the privilege 

 of endorsing tickets of admission to the Museum on public days be 

 granted to Mrs. Wetherill, widow of our late^ esteemed :Vice Presi- 

 dent, John Price Wetherill, and that she be authorised and invited to 

 visit at all times the Museum and Library of the Academy.' 



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