When the time comes for removal of the birds and mam- 

 mals to the the new building the services of an expert tax- 

 idermist will be required to repair the damage wrought by 

 neglect in previous years. Sufficient new work is also needed 

 to keep a taxidermist regularly employed and for this work 

 ability to make accessories is essential. 



Botany 



The Elliott Herbarium has been studied by a number of 

 visiting botanists during the year. Dr. Ezra Brainerd ex- 

 amined the violets in March and was able to secure import- 

 ant data for his forth-coming revision of that group. 



Mrs. Agnes Chase of the Division of Agrostology, at 

 Washington, visited the Museum in October for the purpose 

 of studying some of the grasses in the Elliott Herbarium. 

 Mrs. Chase's visit led to a general examination of the herbaria 

 in the Museum, which disclosed the surprising extent of the 

 Ravenel Herbarium and revealed other herbaria of consider- 

 able interest. All of these have suffered seriously from the 

 neglect of many years. As soon as possible suitable her- 

 barium cases will be provided and it is very desirable that 

 all of this material be worked over by competent botanists. 



In 1905 Prof. John M. Macfarlane, of the University of 

 Pennsylvania, examined the type specimen of Saracenia 

 Catesbaei which is in the Elliott Herbarium and during the past 

 year the Museum has received from him two papers contain- 

 ing the results of his study. 



Zoology 



The department of ornithology has had the benefit of the 

 work of a number of student assistants, and has maintained 

 the seasonal exhibit of local birds for the benefit of the 

 Natural History Society. A begining has also been made of 

 a study collection of bird skins. Field work in ornithology 

 has been carried on with gratifying results, and is discussed 

 under the head of Biological Survey. 



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