Vol. V] GRUNSKY— PRESIDENT'S REPORT FOR 1914 3 



mens, representing 116 species, or practically all the species 

 occurring in North American waters. 



5. Perhaps the most important gift which the' Museum 

 has received within the year is that of the Henry Hemphill 

 collection of marine, freshwater and land shells, presented to 

 the Academy by Mrs. Charlotte Hosmer, daughter of Mr. 

 Hemphill. 



This collection contains between 60,000 and 70,000 speci- 

 mens representing 12,000 to 15,000 different species. Dr. 

 Wm. H. Dall, the most distinguished conchologist in America, 

 if not in the world, has pronounced it to be without doubt "the 

 best and most complete collection of Pacific coast shells - - - - 

 that is to be found anywhere except in the National Museum" 

 at Washington. 



The making of this immense collection engaged the atten- 

 tion of Mr. Hemphill during practically all the years of his 

 long and useful life. 



The collection has been formally turned over to the Academy 

 and is now stored in 20 large boxes in the rear room on the 

 third floor of the Security building, 343 Sansome street. 



6. A collection of 34 mounted specimens representing 24 

 species of winter birds of Marin County, California, presented 

 by Mr. John W. Mailliard, of the Board of Trustees. These 

 are meant to serve as a beginning of a series of seasonal groups 

 of birds which it is hoped will be installed in the Museum soon 

 after the completion of the building. 



7. A collection of 17 bird skins obtained by Mr. John 

 Rowley in Kern County in October and November. Among 

 these are two specimens of the ferruginous hawk, a very rare 

 species. 



8. Two fine specimens of the Javanese peacock, presented 

 by Mr. Lansing K. Tevis, of San Francisco. 



9. A collection of 56 mammal skins obtained bv Mr. 

 Rowley in October and November in Kern County, Cal. 



10. During the year there have been added to the col- 

 lections of the department of herpetology a total of 806 rep- 

 tiles and amphibians. Of these, 105 resulted from exploration 

 in Arizona and California by John I. Carlson, 248 by gift from 

 various parties, and 453 by exchange. 



