for the first time the names of all the species known in South 

 Carolina, with comments on their distribution and abundance. 

 From the 534 species listed we are now selecting about 75 of the 

 shells common on the sea beaches and are making arrangements 

 to obtain simple illustrations which will enable us to print a pocket 

 guide to the common beach shells of South Carolina. The text 

 will be brief and untechnical and the purpose of the guide will be 

 to enable anyone to identify shells collected on the beach and to 

 learn simple and interesting things about them. It is hoped that 

 this book may be published in the coming year. 



Papers sent from the Museum to other publications include a 

 paper on Educational Work of American Museums written by the 

 director for the annual report of the United States Commissioner 

 of Education and four ornithological notes by Mr. F. M. Weston, 

 Jr. in The Auk. 



For editorial support and the printing of news notes and no- 

 tices the Museum is again indebted to The News & Courier and 

 the Evening Post. 



PUBLIC INSTRUCTION 



The activities of this department have become both numerous 

 and extensive. They include the Natural History Society, Miss 

 Bragg 's class in botany, the service extended to the public and 

 private schools, the instruction given for affiliated colleges, and 

 public lectures. All of this work, with the exception of the last 

 two items, is under the immediate care of Miss Bragg as curator 

 of public instruction. 



Natural History Society. This society represents one of 

 the first efforts of the Museum to arouse interest in natural sci- 

 ence and wholesome out-door life. After leading a somewhat 

 precarious existence for several years, it has for some time shown 

 healthy growth in numbers and interest. The number of mem- 

 bers in the past year was one hundred and seventy-nine. The 

 society is divided into two sections: Section A for adults, and 

 Section B for children under fifteen years of age. Each section 

 has a monthly meeting at the Museum and frequent field trips 

 for study under Miss Bragg. The scope of the meetings may be 

 indicated by the programs, as follows: January — no meeting 

 on account of rain; February — Dr. George F. Matthew on Fos- 

 sils of St. John, New Brunswick; March — Director Rea on Evo- 

 lution of a Tooth; April — Forecaster J. H. Scott on Weather 



IS 



