344 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



Two other papers have been published, one upon four 

 kinds of undescribed birds' eggs, the other descriptive of 

 two new mammals. Another paper, upon the genus Am- 

 hlystoma and its allies, was read August 19. The museum 

 circular, No. 2, treating of methods for preparing mammals 

 and birds has been long delayed from publication owing to 

 the lack of suitable provision being made for the proper 

 care of the fresh material when received. Heretofore the 

 preparation of specimens received in the flesh has de- 

 volved upon the curator, and almost invariably when time 

 could not well be spared for it. 



The study collection of mammals and birds is greatly in 

 need of additional specimens from various localities on this 

 coast, and it is hoped that the society will recognize the 

 importance of adding largely to the collection during the 

 coming year and provide facilities for obtaining the same. 



No change has been made the past year in the exhibition 

 collection, nor is it desirable to do so until other accommo- 

 dations are available for the better display of the speci- 

 mens. 



In the study collection the arrangement has been the 

 same as the year before, no change being practicable until 

 unlimited space and suitable cases are furnished for its re- 

 ception. The study series has so far outgrown the space 

 allotted to it that the temporary disposal of it in boxes 

 makes it often difficult to readily find certain specimens 

 when wanted. 



The encroachment of routine work upon that of investi- 

 gation and publication has prevented the complete labeling 

 and cataloguing of part of the acquisitions for the year, and 

 prevented certain field studies at times when climatic cir- 

 cumstances presented opportunities that come but seldom 

 in a life time. I refer to the recent long continued rains, 

 when inundated districts, notably parts of the Sacramento 

 Yalley and marshes of the Bay shore, ofi'ered rare induce- 

 ments for the study and collection of mammals. 



