OF WASHINGTON. 67 



in identification of insects, finding of synonymy, references to 

 literature, etc. 



The duplicate collection had, for a long time, contained half of 

 the total number of specimens, and is still large. It is somewhat 

 of a problem what to do with it. We have practically abandoned 

 making exchanges, because of the poor condition of a majority of 

 the specimens, since all the good material is in the regular col 

 lection. Most collectors will not receive what we have in ex 

 change for their own fresh material, and many will not take it at 

 all. Besides, the labor of making exchange lists and the time 

 that would have been consumed would have largely prevented 

 the work of installation that has been accomplished. The dupli 

 cates are gradually being made available by school teachers and 

 others, and it is intended to prepare from them a respectable 

 public exhibit collection, and keep this replenished from the 

 same source. At present there is practically no such exhibit, at 

 least arranged with any system, but with the present support it is 

 impossible to prepare one. 



The study and identification of the material has progressed to 

 some extent, but the routine work of installation has prevented 

 any very general work in that direction. Mr. August Busck, of 

 the Department of Agriculture, has begun some studies on the 

 American Tineids, which promise to be of material assistance to 

 the collection. A catalogue of the Lepidoptera of North America 

 is being prepared for publication, and it is intended to mark in 

 this those species still lacking to the collection. We hope for 

 considerable accessions from American collectors when they know 

 exactly what is needed. 



It will be noticed that the collection of Lepidoptera experienced 

 a period of activity at the beginning, followed by a period of 

 stagnation, now again succeeded by one of activity. These active 

 periods were synchronous with the presence of a Lepidopterist 

 in charge. The deduction is general, and shows it to be highly 

 advantageous that each order of insects should have a custodian 

 especially interested in it. Even with the best intentions, one 

 whose training and activities lie in another field can scarcely do 

 more than keep a collection in a condition of preservation, not to 

 speak of planning for its extension and arrangement and the seiz 

 ing of all possible opportunities to secure material and interest 

 others in it. 



