142 • REPORT ON NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



Bhells has been fitted with good and dnst-proof cases, a new gallery, and accommoda- 

 tion in the shape of universal drawers for a large number of specimens. It is hoped 

 and believed that to these will be added suitable cases for the Museum Hall, in 

 which finally perfected work may be placed permanently for reference or exhibition, 

 without fear of deterioration. Steps have already been taken to replace the inflam- 

 mable partitions of the east and west laboratory rooms by brick walls, and to refur- 

 nish with suitable shelving and cases this part of the work -shop. 



Means for making sections of shells are desirable, but the necessary lathe might 

 economically and easily be made a part of the taxidermist's equipment, where it would 

 be equally and more freqiaently useful, while still accessible when needed. 



It is the writer's opinion that an extensive exhibition of the shells as mere ohjets 

 de regard is not desirable. He believes that, first, a thoroughly illustrated series of a 

 few typical forms from embryo to adult, with enlarged models and dissections of the 

 soft parts ; secondly, an economical series, with illustrations of their economic applica- 

 tion, as in cameo shells, pearl shells, &c. ; thirdly, a good local series of the mollusks of 

 the District ; and, lastly, a case or two of prominent characteristic forms of the diflerent 

 orders, recent and fossil, side by side, would be more instructive, more interesting, 

 and more desirable than the large series of every attainable species common to most 

 museums, and which produces, except for the specialist, only a confused and even 

 wearying impression upon the visitor's mind. 



DEPARTMENT OF INSECTS. 



As was stated in my last report, the department of entomology is one 

 which has been very little cultivated in the National Museum, although 

 in past years the Smithsonian Institution has published many valuable 

 works on insects, and through its various collectors gathered much ma- 

 terial for investigation. 



The material thus obtained by special collectors, by the various Gov- 

 ernment surveys, as well as that sent in by correspondents, has alwaj^s^ 

 been distributed for study to the several entomologists who have been 

 serving as collaborators of the Smithsonian Institution, much of the mate- 

 rial having passed into the hands of the entomologists of the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, it always having been the understanding that all 

 material, after being reported upon, should be returned to the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture for preservation in its cabinets. The custody and 

 entire responsibility of the national collection of insects was in this way 

 transferred to the Department of Agriculture ; but the lack of a per- 

 manent museum organization and the constant changes in the heads 

 of the Department resulted very unfavorably for the collection, and the 

 remnants of the same, which have recently been transferred to the 

 National Museum by the present Commissioner, are of very slight im- 

 portance. Prof. C V. Riley, the entomologist of the Department of 

 Agriculture, has, from the time of his accession to that jDosition, urged 

 the transfer which has recently been made, and has from the beginning 

 insisted that the systematic collection should be preserved under the 

 permanent organization of the National Museum. Following out this 

 idea, Professor Eiley accepted, in 1881, the position of honorary curator,, 

 performing voluntarily such duties connected with this division of the 

 Museum as are at present necessary. 



