54 EEPOET OP NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. 



series and showing much artistic merit in their mounting, were 

 numerous small mammals belonging in various f aunal sections of the 

 exhibition. Three of the large African antelope cases were rear- 

 ranged, the specimens being removed from their old wooden bases 

 and placed directly on the floor. This is considered to have been an 

 advantageous change, as it permits greater latitude in the installa- 

 tion. As not all of the specimens were mounted to stand on a 

 perfectly level surface, the bottoms of these cases have been covered 

 with a thin layer of sand, stained to match the olive paint of the 

 floor, a color so neutral as not specially to attract attention. 



A noteworthy addition to the bird exhibition was a large group 

 representing a flock of Carolina parrakeets just waking from their 

 night's rest in a hollow tree and beginning to feed. These birds 

 were formerly displayed in two small groups, neither of which was 

 wholly satisfactory. The combination has been eminently success- 

 ful in creating a charming group which illustrates various interest- 

 ing characteristics in the habits of the only North American mem- 

 ber of the tropical parrot family. By the introduction of a light 

 cover of snow, beautifully contrasting with the gay plumage of the 

 birds, the fact is emphasized that this parrakeet, unlike any others 

 of the family, once inhabited almost the entire eastern part of our 

 country with its rigorous climate. 



But few additions or alterations were made in other sections of the 

 exhibition collections of zoology. A very large American crocodile 

 and an equally large alligator in metal and glass cases were substi- 

 tuted for the two small specimens in old-fashioned wooden cases. 

 In connection with the invertebrate series the principal change con- 

 sisted in the removal of the two casts of giant cephalopods, one a 

 squid, the other an octupus, from the Smithsonian building to the 

 west range of the new building. As these specimens had to be taken 

 apart and rebuilt and repainted, the task was one of considerable 

 magnitude. 



During the latter part of the year all of the exhibition materials 

 illustrative of the whales then remaining in the older Museum build- 

 ing were transferred to the new building, where their installation in 

 the south hall of the second story of the west wing was immediately 

 begun. Among these specimens, all of which are of large size, were 

 the cast and skeleton of the giant sulphur-bottom whale, which have 

 attracted so much attention. 



Explorations. — Without funds for carrying on extensive field 

 work, the department of biology has been dependent upon the coop- 

 eration of friends and of collectors and travelers generally, to some 

 of whom outfits are supplied, for the acquisition of new materials 

 from regions not covered by the national surveys. Dr. W. L. Abbott, 

 as in former years, has given most material assistance in this respect. 



