48 EBPORT OF THE SECEETARY. 



in several species, from tlie fcetal to tlie adult state, of both sexes, with 

 correspouding skeletons of all these gradations. 



The collection brought by Mr. Zelcdon includes nearly all the known 

 mammals of Costa Eica, from the largest to the smallest, and in most 

 admirable condition of preservation, well fitted to mount for exhibition 

 in the National Museum. 



The Zoological Society of Philadelphia has presented a specimen, in 

 thetlesh, of the Aodad {Ovis Tragldaphus), which died in the menagerie 

 of that establishment. 



From the Public Library and IMuseum at Calcutta, in India, under the 

 direction of Mr. Murray, was received quite a number of specimens of 

 Indian mammals, including skins of the smaller kinds, and a considera- 

 ble number of stuffed heads of tigers and other felidie, as well as several 

 crania of much value. 



Birds. — The collections of birds received during the year have also 

 been extensive and important, as shown by the number of specimens 

 entered in the record book. Principally noteworthy is the donation by 

 Mr. George B. Sennett, of Erie, Pa., of a series of the collections made 

 by him during the preceding year in the vicinity of Brownsville, Tex. 

 This embraces several species new to the Museum. In view of their 

 admirable preparation, it is proposed to mount the greater jiart of them 

 for ijermanent exhibition in the Museum. 



From Dr. James C. Merrill, U. S. Army, stationed at Brownsville, 

 Texas, was also received a very acceptable collection of skins and eggs 

 of birds, from that region. 



The collections of Mr. Nelson in Alaska and of Mr. Kumlien in Arctic 

 America, already referred to, embrace many species of much interest, 

 although none actually new to the Museum. 



The more important addition made to the collection has been* a series 

 of oceanic birds, found oft" the coast of the United States. Mr. Eayraond 

 L. Newcomb having been sent out by the Smithsonian Institution on 

 board the schooner Marion, Captain Collins in command, for the pur- 

 pose of ascertaining what were the birds occurring on the tishing- 

 banks, in such numbers as to be serviceable in furnishing bait for the 

 capture of codfish, he brought back a large and Avell-prepared collection, 

 embracing some quite rare species, although none previously unrepre- 

 sented. Some of the plumages were new, and it became possible, from 

 the collections and his notes, to interpret the meaning of various appella- 

 tions employed by the fishermen. 



For the assistan(;e rendered to Mr. Newcomb, as well as in furnishing 

 information to the Fish Commission, Captain Collins and his crew deserve 

 sjjecial mention. 



Of extra-limital collections, those made by Mr. Fred. A. Ober in tlie 

 West Indies, referred to in another part of this report, are of particular 

 value and importance. As the result of these the National IMuseum is 

 now in i^ossession of by far the most complete series extant of birds of 



