1903.] NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 



817 



The Ornithological Section. 



During the past year the Conservator has completed the arrange- 

 ment of the mounted collection of water birds and Gallinacea in the 

 new Ornithological gallery, four additional cases having been provided 

 for their accommodation. Three other cases now about finished will 

 permit of the transference of the Ostriches and Birds of Prey early in 

 the coming year. The gallery was opened to the public on November 

 12, and has attracted much attention, as the specimens are dis- 

 played to far better advantage than formerly. Beside the labelling 

 of the individual specimens, large explanatory cards have been pre- 

 pared for the various families, , giving their geographic distribution, 

 number of species and some of the most striking characteristics. 



The further systematic arrangement of the study cohection of skins 

 has been facilitated by the provision of five tin cases and two large 

 wooden cases, so that the entire series is now preserved in modern 

 moth-proof cases, except the Anatida, Tyrannidffi, Cuculidaj and Birds 



of Prey. 



The overcrowded condition of several of the cases has also been 



relieved. 



A fine series of California skins numbering about 700 specimens was 

 purchased by the Academy early in the year. The collection illus- 

 trates many of the plumages of our Western birds not hitherto repre- 

 sented, and contains quite a number of geographic races new to the 



cabinet. 



In return for aid in identifying the collection of birds in the Philadel- 

 phia Commercial Museums, the Conservator obtained a fine series of 

 specimens from South America and Africa, of which the Academy was 

 much in need. 



Another valuable collection was presented by Mr. Adolf van dcr 

 Wielen, and a fine collection of eggs of North Dakota birds was 

 received from Dr. William E. Hughes. 



The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club has added several speci- 

 mens of the now nearly complete collection of local birds and nests 

 presented some years ago. 



All the material received during the year has been catalogued and 

 labelled, making an addition of about 1,100 specimens. 



The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club and the Pennsylvania 

 Audubon Society have held their meetings in the building during the 

 year, and on November 16-19 the American Ornithologists' Union 



