REPORT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY. 

 By George P. Mebbili-, Head Curator. 



The fiscal year just closed has been marked by some very notable 

 additions to the collections; by the successful completion of much 

 of the work that was planned; and by the realization of a hope of 

 some years' standing, namely, the beginning of field operations to 

 secure one of the large sauropodous dinosaurs for the hall of verte- 

 brate paleontology. 



Accessions. — A decrease in number of accessions is shown, 196 

 being recorded for the year, but an increase in number of individual 

 specimens received overbalances the discrepancy. The estimated 

 total is 36,698 specimens, chiefly paleontological, against 23,504 for 

 the year previous. As usual, these are principally through dona- 

 tions. The scientific value may be said to be greater than usual 

 owing to several important acquisitions, among which may be 

 mentioned the paleontological collection of the late Orestes St. 

 John, and the residual portions of the paleontological collection of 

 the late E,. D. Lacoe and meteorite collection of H. A. Ward. The 

 continued acquisition of foreign paleontological material is to be 

 noted. The value of this for comparative studies is evident, and 

 while much that has been received during the present year comes 

 from localities already represented in the accessions of the last two 

 years, the new influx rounds out the previous collections and thus 

 presents a wider field to the student. The scientific value of the 

 collections has been greatly enhanced by the acquisition of type 

 specimens, of which a considerable number have been added through 

 gift, transfer, and the published research work of members of the 

 staff. 



Through the generosity of Mrs. L. A. Coonley Ward, the depart- 

 ment received a valuable gift in the form of the residuary meteorite 

 collection of her late husband, Prof. Henry A. Ward. The collection 

 is valuable not so much in adding new, as in furnishing ample mate- 

 rial for study and exchange. Of particular value in this connection 

 are 10 complete individuals of the Ness County, Kansas, fall; 24 

 complete individuals and 11 fragments of the Forest City fall; 25 

 complete and cut individuals of the I'ohica fall; and fine exhibition 



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