SECRETARY'S REPORT. 145 



found ;i nest in Brookline, Mass., a few years since. These seem to be 

 the only cases on record. 



E. S. Wheeler, of Berlin, presented a nest of the Ruby-throat 

 Humming Bird (Trochihis colulris). 



F. R. Stebbens presented another nest of the Humming Bird. 



We would make a few suggestions on the preparation of specimens 

 previous to forwarding. 



Animals should be sent as soon as possible after being killed. A great 

 many specimens, and some of them rare, arrived in a state in which it 

 was not practicable to mount them. 



The only preparation necessary, if the specimen is a large one, is to plug 

 the shot-holes with cotton and sprinkle a little powdered plaster of Paris 

 on the blood which may have escaped. If this plaster is not convenie n 

 of access, wood ashes will answer the purpose. Also plug the nostrils 

 and throat with cotton. In extreme cases the entrails may be removed, 

 and a little salt sprinkled in the animal. Small specimens may be for- 

 warded with only the precaution of stuffing the nostrils and throat with 

 cotton. 



Birds should be forwarded as soon as possible after being killed. The 

 only preparation they require is the stuffing the throat with cotton. 



Eggs and nests require a little care in packing. If possible, the 

 contents of the eggs should be removed by making a puncture in each 

 end of the egg, and then putting one end to the mouth and gently 

 blowing, forcing the contents through the aperture of the other end. 

 The shells may be then packed in cotton and placed in the nest. The 

 whole may be then packed in a box strong enough to protect them, — 

 in every case with the bird, if there is the least doubt as to the identity 

 of the e<r<z. 



J »o" 



Ichthyology. — A few specimens only have been added to this 

 department during the past year, the donation of Capt. N. E. Atwood 

 being the greater portion. It consists of — 



A fine specimen of the Bass (Labrax Uneatus). 



Two specimens of the Brazen Bull Head (Cottus virginianus). 



A specimen of the Grunter {Prionotis Uneatus). 



A specimen of the Spring Mackerel {Scomber vernaUs). 



A specimen of the Rudder Fish (Palinurus perciformis). 



A specimen of the Blue Fish (Temnodon saltator). 



A specimen of the Silver Side (Atherina notata). 



A specimen of the Tautog {Tautoga americana). 



Two specimens of the Creek Trout (Salmo erythrogmter). 



A specimen of the Shad (Alosa sapidissima). 

 19* 



