PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 127 



THE SECRETARY'S SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT. 



The secretary brought before the board a brief statement of the 

 various activities of the Institution since the issuance of his annual 

 report. 



UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



One of the most notable additions to the museum will be the col- 

 lection of the late Herbert Ward, sculptor, of Paris, consisting of 

 his sculptures of African subjects, and a large collection of African 

 ethnologica, comprising 7,000 specimens, described as a more com- 

 plete collection of African material than that even of the late King 

 of the Belgians. Mrs. Ward has agreed to present this collection 

 under certain conditions, and the form of agreement is now being 

 negotiated. 



Probably the most interesting accession recorded in the Depart- 

 ment of Biology since July 1, 1920, is a skeleton of a medium-sized 

 finback whale from Florida, presented by the Miami Aquarium 

 Association through its president, Mr. James Asbury Allison. 



The beautiful collection of butterflies which the late Prof. J. P. 

 Iddings had brought together from all parts of the world was pre- 

 sented to the museum by his estate. It consists of about 2,000 speci- 

 mens, mostly mounted in glass-covered drawers, so arranged that 

 they can be pulled out by the public and the contents examined. 

 The collection will form a separate exhibit. 



The Division of Plants also reports a large number of valuable 

 accessions to the National Herbarium. 



The most notable accessions received by the Division of History 

 since the beginning of the present fiscal year have been connected 

 with the War Collection. These include a number of objects of ex- 

 ceptional military interest used during the World War by the French 

 Army and presented to the museum by the French Government. 



The United States Navy Department has added a number of im- 

 portant exhibits to the already large and interesting series of objects 

 illustrating the part played in the World War by the United States 

 Navy. 



The collection of objects relating to the war already deposited 

 by the War Department has also been materially increased. 



Among the more important accessions received by the Division 

 of Mechanical Technology are : 



One-quarter size model of Leonardo da Vinci's aircraft, designed 

 in 1490 A. D. Model made in the museum from photographic copies 

 of da Vinci's own notes. 



Mechanical Navigator. A mathematical instrument for solving 

 all problems in spherical triangles, lent by Col. Willard French 

 through Mrs. Louise D. French. 



