28 THE BUREAU OF SCIENCE 



sistance is available, and accurate results can be obtained only 

 by the examination of hundreds of bird stomachs collected 

 throughout the year. Several hundred stomachs have been ex- 

 amined, and the results have been recorded for future use. Ad- 

 ditional material is on hand awaiting examination. 



Many of the blank forms, which were distributed with the 

 leaflet entitled Food and Habits of Philippine Birds, have been 

 returned to the Bureau with a large quantity of information. 

 This material will be issued in popular form as soon as it can 

 be properly prepared. 



A little has been done on the classification of specimens when 

 time was available. One short paper. New or Noteworthy 

 Philippine Birds, I, was published in the Philippine Journal 

 of Science. 



The taxidermist has preserved specimens of birds and snake 

 skins and has mounted several heads and horns of the wild 

 carabao and of the timarao. The latter animal is found only on 

 Mindoro Island and is of much scientific interest. It is said 

 that the timarao resembles the anoa, of Celebes. Because of 

 the increase in taxidermic work an assistant to the taxidermist 

 has been employed. 



SECTION OF ENTOMOLOGY 



This institution continues without the services of an ento- 

 mologist, as no appropriation has been made for this important 

 work, although specialists in this line are very much needed. 

 The rearing of silkworms has been continued under the super- 

 vision of the ornithologist without change. There are frequent 

 requests for eggs and for information in regard to the cultiva- 

 tion of mulberry plants and as to the commercial possibilities of 

 silk culture in the Islands. As an aid to those wishing to estab- 

 lish mulberry plants, press bulletin 55, in English and in Spanish, 

 was distributed in September. 



An attempt was made to import the eri silkworm from Ceylon, 

 but unfortunately the cocoons were sent to us by way of England 

 and were worthless when received. A small area in Malate Park 

 has been planted, partly with mulberry and partly with castor 

 plants. The leaves of the latter will be used to feed eri wonns 

 if they are later introduced. 



The rearing of silkworms seems in many ways adapted to this 

 country and to its people, but for the development of the industry 

 the Government should employ an expert sericulturist. Silk, 

 like other animal and plant products, to be of good quality must 



