106 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



These models vvei-e liased chiefly on spechnens in tlie National Museum, from 

 the rich collections of the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross. Owing to 

 the small size of the originals, it was necessary to enlarge the models so that 

 the extraordinary modifications and fantastic appearance of these inhabitants 

 of the deei»-sea could be api^reciated by the public. Acconipiinying this series 

 was a diagram showing the great depths at which these peculiar forms are 

 found, in com])arison with the other fishes of the sea. The following species 

 were represented: Deep-sea ehimivra {Harriotta raleighana) , hatchet fish 

 (f>ternoi)t!/.r (Uaphuna), rag fish (Acrotiis witlouf/Jibui). pelican fish (Gastrus- 

 tomus bairdii), snipe eel (Ncinichthns scolojtaceus), lesser angler (Ciy/itopsaras 

 couesii), viper fish {Chaiiliodus sjoaiii), Bathypterois quadrifilis, great swal- 

 lower (CJudftniodoii iiif/cr). deep sea gurnard (Pcristedlon Dtiniatuiii), and the 

 species Caidolepis louf/idcns. Afalacosteits chorhtoditviiiUis, and Mahtcosteus 

 niger. 



Invertebrates were represented by two series of specimens, installed in stand- 

 ard Mu.seum unit boxes, arranged in frames along the wall. The first was a syn. 

 optic series of invertebrates displaying the principal groups, the more important 

 forms in each group, their structure, and, so far as possible, important or inter- 

 esting features in their life histories. This series was designed especially to show 

 methods of Museum installation. In two sections of the wall ca.se near this 

 series was a special display of fan corals, and another of crabs. The second 

 principal series of invertebrates consisted of about 500 species of butterflies and 

 moths from all parts of the world, selected with special reference to beauty or 

 singularity of color and markings or large size. Each species was represented 

 l»y a pair of specimens, making about 1,000 in all. The specimens were remark- 

 able for their perfection, and the whole series was, as might be imagined, hardly 

 to be surpassed in brilliancy. 



Depai fluent of OcoJoijii. — The exhibit of this department was planned by Dr. 

 (ieorge P. Merrill, head curator, assisted by members of his staff, and embraced 

 tour main groups : First, an exhibit of minerals : second, one of meteorites ; 

 third, of invertebrate fossils, and, fourth, of vertebrate fossils. 



(1) A systematic series of minerals was installed in eight standard 15-inch 

 Museum cases. This series was remarkably complete, and the various species 

 were repi'esented by specimens of the largest size. A complete and particularly 

 fine series of all the known forms of silica occurring in nature was shown in a 

 special 36-inch screen case. This included examples of agates, jasper, wood- 

 opal, etc. In a companion case was exhibited a similar series comjtrising all 

 the known natural forms of calcium carbonate, such as Iceland spar and other 

 calcites, stalagmites, limestone, pearls, etc. In proximity to the silica exhibit 

 was displayed one of the largest masses of amethyst crystals known, and a 

 giant quartz crystal. The amethyst crystals weighed about a quarter of a ton. 

 Another mineral exhibit consisted of a sei'ies of cones from hot si)i'ings, showing 

 the deposit of crystals on the interior. 



(2) Meteorites: Special pains were taken to assemble an exhibit of meteor- 

 ites worthy of the occasion. To this end endeavors were made to obtain 

 representations of the largest known examples. Through the courtesy of Com- 

 mander R. E. Perry. U. S. N., casts \\ere secured of the three great masses from 

 Greenland, known as the " Peary meteorites," and with the concurrence of the 

 Mexican Government and the friendly assistance of Jose G. Aguilera a cast of 

 the Bacubirito meteorite was also secured. A special trip to Mexico for the pur- 

 I)ose of obtaining a mold was undertaken by Dr. George P. Merrill and Mr. Wil- 

 liam Palmer, with entirely satisfactory results. A cast was also made of the 



