1849.] 255 



Gould of London. It comprises 303 species, 97C specinnens, and 33 nests, of 

 which 295 species are determined. 



In the latter collection of eggs are 58 species contained in the former; deduct- 

 ing these, the number of species in the two collections amounts to 1526, of 

 which 1278 are determined. The whole number of specimens in the two col- 

 lections is 4425. 



When we consider the difficulty of obtaining and determining oological 

 specimens, the delicacy required in their preparation, and the care necessary 

 for their preservation in transportation, we may in some measure form an esti- 

 mate of the value of this rich deposit. 



Besides the above, we have received from several of the members 12 species 

 and 15 specimens of birds' eggs, and 9 species of nests. 



Herpetology and Ichthyology. — In the past year these collections were 

 removed, and rearranged upon the flying gallery of the east basement room. 

 During the same time we have received 20 species, 50 specimens of reptilia, and 

 8 species, 11 specimens of fishes, among the latter of which is a very beautiful 

 specimen of Lepidosteus ferox, Raf., from the Mississippi, presented by Mr. 

 J. D. Anderson, of New Orleans. 



Mollusca. — In this department, the donations during the past year are 

 unparalleled in America. To our generous and excellent fellow member, Dr. 

 R. E. Griffith, we owe lasting gratitude for the splendid gift of 4907 species, 

 over 12,000 specimens of shells, being the private collection made by this gen- 

 tleman at much cost and pains, during a long series of years. To Dr. T. B. 

 Wilson we are indebted, as ever, for the donation of 1707 species, over 3500 

 specimens of shells. 



These two collections comprise 5405 species, of which the odd 405 maybe cast 

 off as duplicate, certainly not more, as we are informed by Dr. Griffith, who is 

 Chairman of the Conchological Committee, and is engaged in arranging this 

 department, which would leave a balance of 5000 different species. 



From the Australian Museum, in exchange, we received 111 species, 328 

 specimens, Australian, New Zealand, and South Sea Island shells. 



From various ether sources 105 species, 204 specimens of shells, principally 

 presented by Mr. McAndrew, of England, Dr. Gould, of Boston, Mr. Thompson, 

 of Belfast, Ireland, and Mr. Watson, of S. Africa. 



Insect a, Crustacea, and Arachnl.da. — The Entomological cabinet has received 

 the addition of 200 species of insects, principally from Mr. Hagedorn, the Bava- 

 rian Consul, and in exchange from the Australian Museum. 



Of Crustacea there have been obtained, by exchange and presentation, 59 spe- 

 cies, 163 specimens, principally from M. E. Griffith, Mr. Thompson, of Belfast, 

 Ireland, and Dr. Wilson. 



Of Arachnida we obtained 2 species, 4 specimens of Scorpio. 

 Rcidiata. — Of these we have received an unusually large number, viz., 1 12 

 species, 120 specimens, principally from Mr. Thompson in exchange; the others 

 presented by different members of the society. Most of them are Echinodertrata 

 and Polypi. 



Comparative Anatomy. — To this part of our Museum an extensive addition 

 has been made, through the liberality of our fellow-member Dr. P. B. Goddard, 

 consisting of J OG crania of mammalia, 30 do. birds, 4 do. reptiles, and 3 do. fishes ; 



