50 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1898, 



result disastrously. This is particularly true regarding vertebrate 

 remains wliicli, once exposed, become quickly ruined, unless promptly 

 and properly cared for, and inexperienced collectors often do more 

 harm than good. Moreover, other institutions, both American and 

 foreign, are ever on the alert to obtain that to which we naturally feel 

 the National Museum is best entitled. 



I can not refrain, in conclusion, from stating that too much praise 

 can scarcely be awarded the individual curators and their assistants 

 for the untiring energy and patience manifested, and then- willingness 

 always to lay aside individual desires and preferences for the welfare 

 of the department as a whole. But for this, the work of the head 

 curator would be disheartening in the extreme. 



