to receive even single specimens, which often furnish hints of 

 much value. 



While specimens in any condition of preservation will be thank- 

 fully received, their value for the purposes in view will be greatly 

 enhanced by their being well prepared and by being accompanied 

 by accurate indications of the date and place of collection, the 

 sex, and the color of the iris, bill and feet, as well as the length 

 of the bird (from point of bill to end of tail) before being skinned. 

 These data should be written upon a label tied to a leg of the 

 specimen. 



Eggs of birds, accompanied by the skin of a parent for verifi- 

 cation, are also very desirable. 



Full directions for collecting and preserving birds and other 

 specimens of natural history have been published by the Institu- 

 tion, and will be furnished on application. If skins cannot be 

 readily prepared, birds may be preserved by throwing them entire 

 into rum or other spirits. 



The Institution has no funds at its command for the purchase 

 of specimens, but it will be happy to make all the return in its 

 power for contributions, in copies of its different publications, 

 especially those based on the specimens received. Full credit will, 

 in all cases, be given for any donations, in the published works of 

 the Institution and on the labels of the specimens. If desired, 

 however, specimens of birds or other animals of North America, 

 will be sent in return. 



Collections sent by sea to the Smithsonian Institution, care of 

 the Collector of the Port of New York, will reach their intended 

 destination. The Agents of the Panama R. R. Co., and of the 

 Pacific Mail Steamship Co., on the Isthmus, or on the western 

 coast of America, will also receive and forward specimens. The 

 Diplomatic and Naval officers of the United States have always 

 been found ready to co-operate in forwarding collections to the 

 Institution. 



Duo notice should always be given to the Institution of the date 

 and channel of forwarding specimens. 



JOSEPH HENRY, 



Secretary, S. I. 



Smitusoxian Institution, Washington, U. S. A., December 10, 1S63. 



