REPORT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY 

 FOR THE YEAR 1898-99. 



By Frederick W. True, 

 Head Curator. 



Tho year covered hy the last report was one of great changes, duo 

 to reorganization of the scientific stati' of the Museum and the erec- 

 tion of galleries in the Museum building. A new plan for the exhi- 

 bition series in biology was decided upon and a beginning made in 

 carrying it into effect. This plan contemplates the arrangement of 

 the exhibition series on a faunal basis, the fauna of North America 

 being given special prominence. Good progress in this line was made 

 in several divisions during the year covered by the present report. 



IMPROVEMENTS IN THE EXHIBITION HALLS. 



In the Division of Mammals the old wall cases, which were no longer 

 suitable on the floor, were transferred to the gallery and added to, so 

 as to occupy the whole length of the hall on both sides. In these were 

 installed the series representing the mammal faunas of the Old World, 

 Africa being on the east side, and Eurasia and Australia on the west 

 side. The cases were retitted throughout, the backs being covered 

 with plain burlap and the floor with linoleum. Such shelves as were 

 needed were made of pine and covered with burlap to correspond with 

 the hack. This style of fitting is comparatively inexpensive, is pleas- 

 ing in effect, and has the excellent quality of extreme durability. All 

 the Old World mammals were placed in these cases, but for the small 

 forms— squirrels, mice, bats, etc.— temporary floor cases were brought 

 into use, pending the construction of cases especially adapted for this 

 purpose. The whole series received temporary labels. On the screen 

 at the south end of the gallery, which separates the exhibition space 

 from the paleontological laboratories, the beautiful illustrations of the 

 cat family from Elliot's Mcnwgrajyh were displayed. There is not 

 sufficient space at this end of the gallery for mounted specimens. 



The floor of the South Hall, as stated in last year's report, is given 



up exclusively to American mammals. The cases on hand were 



arranged to give as good an effect as possible, but on account of the 



galleries some new cases will doubtless have to be erected for the large 



forms. The seals, sea lions, and walruses, especially, are not satisfac- 



torilv installed. 



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