DEPARTMENT OF MAMMALS. 355 



The same, unfortunately, can not be said of the storage cases. As 

 stated in previous reports they are neither sufficient in number nor 

 satisfactory in kind. As arrangements have now been made, however, 

 for providing better cases, it is unnecessary to repeat the previous 

 recommendations regarding this very important matter. 



The condition of the collection of specimens in alcohol is fairly satis- 

 factory. The specimens deteriorate to a certain extent in spite of our 

 best efforts. For perfect preservation they should be placed in bottles 

 which can be sealed with paraffine or wax. It is best that the collection 

 should be reduced in size, but in order to convert a portion of the 

 series into dry skins it would be necessary to divert the attention of the 

 taxidermists from the work of mounting groups, which would be in- 

 advisable. The skins might perhaps be made at the least expense by 

 contract with outside parties. 



The number of specimens in the different series on June 30, 1889, 

 was as follows : 



Number of mounted skins in the exhibition series 745 



Number of skins in the study and duplicate series 45">7 



Number of specimens in alcohol 3084 



Received during the year : 



Skins* - 192 



Specimens in alcohol 35 



Skeletons 44 



Skulls 151 



The first entry made in the catalogue of skins on duly 1, 1888, was 

 under No. 1C,237; the last on July 30, 1880, was under No. 1G,870. 



In the catalogue of skeletons and skulls the first entry, July 1, 1888, 

 was under No. 22,990; the last, No. 23,781. 



Of the mammals deposited by the Bureau of Economic Ornithology 

 and Mammalogy, Department of Agriculture, the number of skins and 

 alcoholic specimens entered was 382 ; of skulls, 358. 



* All the skins received during the year, one hundred and ninety-two iii number, 

 were accompanied by skulls. The total number of skulls received therefore was 343. 



