REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY. 51 



The fact tbat bis collections represented the results of coutiuuous 

 exploration along a line of several hundreds of miles, also adds con- 

 siderably to their value. 



The rearrangement of the exhibition series of mammals during the 

 year occupied the attention of the curator, Mr. F. W. True, for several 

 weeks. He thus describes the details incident to this work: 



In the fall of 1894 a complete rearraugement of the cases iu the exhibition hail 

 was effected, agreeahly with iustrnctious from the Assistant Secretary. The position 

 of all the movable cases was changed, with th<> object of making a better balanced 

 arrangement and one more attractive, also to break up the continuous vista pre- 

 viously maintained in the center of the hall. It was found necessary thereafter to 

 raise the large cast of a humpback whale, which was done. The series of inter- 

 locked antlers was transferred to the osteological hall. Several groups fur which no 

 place could be found were packed and stored. Large labels were made for the series 

 of porpoise casts arranged on top of the wall cases. The Audubon lithographic 

 pictures of mammals which were purchased and framed by the Museum some time 

 ago, were hung in the office of the curator until a more suitable place could be found 

 for them. The cetacean molds were all overhauled and a detailed list made of them 

 for reference. The taxidermists mounted eight skins, but on account of being called 

 upon for other work nothing Avas completed. A large amount of work was done 

 upon the alcoholic study series in the way of cataloguing, arranging, rebottliug, 

 etc. The Mearus collection was gone over, a concordance of collector's and Museum 

 numbers made, and other necessary work performed. All new accessions were cata- 

 logued and put in cases. A large number of skins from the taxidermists' vats were 

 labeled and put in their jjroper places. 



The work of the taxidermist is referred to more in detail elsewhere. 



The present condition of the collections, so far as the preservation 

 of the material contained in them is concerned, is better than at any 

 previous time, as is shown in the following extract from Mr. True's 

 report : 



The exhibition series is in good condition, but the space and cases in which to 

 exhibit it are entirely inadequate. This applies especially' to the large mammals. 

 The wall cases are so full that only the heads and necks of the deer, antelope, etc., 

 can be seen. The floor cases are so much crowded that light is obstructed, and the 

 attractiveness of the collection is much diminished. There are numerous antelopes, 

 deer, seals, etc., in the taxidermists' vats, which, when mounted, can be exhibited 

 only with much difficulty and under unfavorable conditions. 



As regards the study series, more storage cases are needed foi- the large skins. 

 The alcoholics will need a great deal more labor spent upon them. 



As pointed out last year, the large skulls of horned mammals are in need of better 

 installation. A plan was submitted for that purpose, but was not acted upon. The 

 great series of small skulls, as stated last year, is in a very unsatisfactory condition 

 as regards installation. Some 1,500 boxes were purchased for these skulls during the 

 year, but it was not possible to get the skulls transferred into them. 



The card catalogue of skins and alcoholics needs revision. This is an important 

 matter, but can not be taken up and brought to a finish in the midst of constant 

 interruption. An incomplete catalogue of this kind is of practically no value. 



Besides the necessary administrative work accomplished in connec- 

 tion with the care of the incoming material and the installation of the 

 specimens most suitable for exhibition, Mr. True lias made special stud- 

 ies in certain directions. These have resulted iu the preparation of a 



