420 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1889. 



legislatures in the West could see this lot of skins ami read the descriptive label 

 attached to it, they might be induced to pass a protective law that would really pro- 

 tect these animals, and others also, from such purposeless and wanton destruction. 



"The final feature of this unique exhibit is a collection of ' weapons of destruc- 

 tion,' which includes specimens of nearly all of the sporting rifles that have been 

 used against American game, from the old Harpers Ferry flintlock down to the latest 

 and deadliest patterns of repeating breech-loaders." 



The more important accessions received during the year were the 

 following: 



Three American elk, or Wapiti (Cervus canadensis), a female and two 

 males, presented by the Hon. W. F. Cody (" Buffalo Bill"). All three 

 are adult, and in very fine condition. On June 8, 1889, the cow gave 

 birth to a calf, which is doing finely and attracts much attention. 



Two young black bears, from Virginia, were received from Mr. J. S. 

 Miller, Commissioner of Internal Revenue, and placed iu the large hexa- 

 gonal cage in the center of the closed building, 1 where their playful 

 antics have furnished a constant source of amusement to visitors. 



A fine young gray wolf (Can is lupus (jriseo-albus) was received from 

 Mr. C. A. Dole, Glendive, Montana, and its death during the winter 

 was the most serious loss the collection sustained during the year. It 

 is hoped that it may soon be replaced by another specimen of the 

 same species. 



A very important accession, from the IT. S. Fish Commissioner, con- 

 sisted of twelve elephant tortoises (Testudo elephantopus), of various 

 sizes, from the Galapagos Islands, collected by the U. S. Fish Commis- 

 sion steamer Albatross. A warm room for the special accommodation 

 of these interesting reptiles was immediately built as an addition to 

 the auimal house, and heated by a stove ; but in spite of the utmost 

 care and attention a number of the tortoises died. 



Five very interesting monkeys were received during the year from 

 various friends of the Museum, as follows: One Mexican spider 

 monkey (Ateles vellerosus) from Mr. C. H. Townsend, one White-throated 

 Capuchin (Cebus hypoleucus) from Mrs. H. D. Cook, jr., one White- 

 fronted Cebus (Cebus albifrons) from Dr. S. P. Murray, one specimen of 

 Cebus hypoleucus from Mr. Hubbard T. Smith, and another species of 

 Cebus, from Uruguay, the gift of Senator J. T. Morgan. 



Four beautiful Angora goats were received from Misses Grace and 

 Maude Parsons, Natural Bridge, Virginia, two of which have given 

 birth to young. 



A young Prong horned antelope, from Texas, was received from Sen- 

 ator Lelaud Stanford, but before it had fully recovered from the effects 

 of its long journey it became alarmed at the presence of a stray dog 

 close to the yard-fence, and in springing about the yard its head re- 

 ceived an injury, from the effects of which it died a few days later, in 

 spite of the best medical care. 



Two young Hod foxes were received from Mr. R. 15. L. Fleming, The 

 Plains, Virginia ; a large swan (Cygnus columbianus) was presented by 



