6(5 REPOET OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1901. 



twenty groups, each about 2 by 8 feet, are in contemplation, four 

 «)!' which have already been completed. 



A Large amount of work was done by the taxidermists in remount- 

 ing old specimens of value in the regular faunal exhibition series of 

 birds, and one taxidermist was continuously engaged in overhauling 

 the collection to keep it from deterioration. This is made necessary 

 on account of the imperfect condition of the cases which are now at 

 least twenty-five years old and far from being dust and vermin proof. 



New labels were prepared for the American carnivorous mammals 

 in the large wall case on the east side of the south hall, completed 

 two years ago. It was found necessary to store a large lot of boxes 

 of mounted birds in the west side of the hall behind the detached 

 cases containing the groups of large mammals. As these were very 

 unsightly the back glass of the cases was painted and wooden parti- 

 tions were set up between them. This is only a temporary provision. 

 Nothing was done directly by way of adding to the series of mounted 

 mammals, on account of the preparations for the Buffalo Exposition, 

 as already explained. 



Early in the autumn experiments were begun looking toward the 

 construction of exhibition boxes for insects. It was thought that this 

 seemingly trifling matter could be disposed of in a week or two, but, 

 in fact, to obtain an immaculate surface in the boxes on which the 

 insects could be pinned and which would not warp during changes in 

 the weather proved to be a task of no small magnitude and baffled the 

 ingenuity of the Museum mechanics for many months. Toward the 

 close of the year the desired background was at last obtained by 

 the use of specially prepared cork and blotting paper, and the few 

 boxes rilled have proved quite satisfactory. It is expected that the 

 whole exhibition series will be reorganized and transferred to the new 

 boxes during the coming year. 



A new scries of enlarged models representing the structure of 

 leathers was placed on exhibition in the hall of comparative anatomy 

 during the year, and a part of the other models were transferred to 

 new cases with large glass. 



EXPLORATIONS. 



Iii the spring of L901, by arrangement with the Museum, Mr. Dane 

 Coolidge made extensive collections of mammals in the mainland of 

 Italy and in Sicily and southern France, Mr. G. 8. Miller, jr., engaged 

 in collecting operations in the vicinity of Peter boro, New York, in July 

 and August. 1900. An arrangement was made with Dr. E. A. Mearns, 

 U. S. Army, to engage in explorations in central Florida, and especially 

 to visit various type localities for mammals. He was in the held from 

 February to May, L901, and made large collections, especially along 

 the Kissimee River. Toward the close of the vear Mr. W. II. Ashmead 



