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more elaborate report on making colIeGtions and observations in natural 

 history and geology is also ready for the press, and only waits the comple- 

 tion of some wood cuts. 



In an appendix will be found the list of additions to the collection of 

 the Institution, with the names of the donors, arranged alphabetically. 

 The entire number of parcels received amomits to sixty-three, while that 

 of individual specimens is very great. 1 propose in a few words to men- 

 tion the points of especial interest in these collections, classifying the more 

 prominent specimens according to the usual system. 



Mammals. — Of North American species, the most conspicuous are two 

 specimens of the big horn or Rocky Mountain sheep, Ovis montana, the 

 one presented by Captain S. Van Vliet, the other by the Hon. J. Butter- 

 field, commissioner of the General Land Office. The first one has been 

 sent to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, to supply a 

 desideratum there ; and the two, with one brought in by Captain Stansbury 

 and deposited in the national gallery, are the only specimens in public col- 

 lections in the country. Various horns and skulls of American reindeer or 

 caraboo^ black tail deer, antelope, elk, &c., have been received, as also 

 skulls of wolves, foxes, bears, &c. Some very valuable European mam- 

 malia have also been received from Mr. Steenberg, of Elsinore, including 

 skins of wolves, seals, arctic foxes, &c., and several skulls of the reindeer 

 ol Greenland. A magnificent collection of Scandinavian mammalia, sent 

 last year by the Swedish Academy, at Stockholm, had not arrived at the 

 end of the year, though daily expected. Numerous specimens of Ameri- 

 can rats, spermophiles, &c., have been received. 



Birds.— A. few birds only have been added to the American series, these 

 consisting mainly, of specimens procured in the Washington market, and 

 prepared at the Institution. A beautiful series, however, of the nests and 

 eggs of European species, with many skins, has been forwarded by Mr. 

 Sturm. 



Reptiles and fishes. — It is among these classes that the additions have 

 been most numerous. The collections are principally from the great lakes, 

 the Alleghany river, the southern coast, as well as from California, Oregon 

 and New Mexico. It will be useless to mention any specially interesting 

 objects, where so many exist. The classified lists in the appendix, how- 

 ever, will give a general idea of the extent and variety of this portion of 

 the cabinet. „ 



Invertebrates. — The donations of Mr. Pourtalcs and of Mr. Marsh, with' 

 the collections made by Mr. Girard, at Charleston, constitute the principal 

 additions in the department of invertebrate zoology. Here, as among the 

 rertebrata, are several rare and new species. 



Plants. — An extensive series of the plants of Hungary, embracing many 

 himdred species, was presented by Mr. Arthur Schott. This gentleman 

 subsequently added a number of American species, like the former, gathered 

 by himself. 



Fossil remains. — A number of specimens of the fossil vertebrata from 

 the Mauvaises Terres were presented by Captain Stewart Van Vliet. Dr. 

 H. A. Prout, of St. Louis, has also enriched the collection. Remains of a 

 mastodon, from Gloucester county, Virginia, have been received from Rev. 

 Charles Mann and Captain Marchant. Some interesting specimens of fos- 

 sil woods were presented by Major O. Cross. 



