REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECUETAKY. 49 



varied iittitiules, and some of these groups weic adniiiiible. One of 

 tlieiii is here illustrated, as well as one group of birds (I'ls. 3G, 37). 



fj II K iron mental groups of marine animals. — It has long- been a favorite 

 idea of the writer that the appearance and habits of fishes and other 

 axjuatic animals might be best shown by mounting souie of our colored 

 casts among natural surroundings in a case resembling an aijuarium 

 tank, and admitting most of the light from above through glass so 

 tinted that the appearance of being under water would be given. All 

 attempts in this direction failed, however, and it has remained for ^Ir. 

 Lucas, in his group of Octopus (PI. 38), to show that it is possible. 

 It is intended to carry this still further, and especially to attempt to 

 show the life of the coral reefs. 



Some groups of reptiles, colored casts in the midst of natural sur- 

 roundings, have also been completed, and these, though not realizing our 

 highest ideals, show that there are good possibilities in this direction. 

 The stuffing of skins of tishes has been carried to high perfection 

 in Europe, owing to the desire of anglers to preserve trophies of their 

 successful excursions in their own homes. Simple accessories, such as 

 suffice to represent the shores of a stream or lake, are used with them 

 with a very good degree of effect. A wonderful disi)lay of these ang- 

 ling trophies was shown at the International Fisheries Exhibition in 

 London in 1883. It is our experience, however, that it is scarcely 

 advisable to stuff a scaly tish or reptile. Sharks may be stuffed, but 

 tishes are neither satisfactory nor lasting. If casts can not be had, it 

 is best to be content with preparations in spirits. 



The moimiing of the Pacific walrus. — In the discussion of the recent 

 taxidermic work in the Museum which has appeared from time to time 

 during the past year in the scientific journals, the Pacific walrus, 

 which was exhibited at the World's Fair, has been severely criticised, 

 and it has been said that it is inartistic and false to nature. 



The preservation of a worthy memorial to the North Pacific walrus 

 is especially desirable, since this is one of the species threatened with 

 extinction. i!^umbered by tens of thousands and flocking together in 

 immense droves when the American whaling fleet first entered the 

 Arctic in 1854, they have now been reduced to a mere handful in 

 American waters, and the old males are now entirely extinct in the 

 Western Pacific, and it is doubtful whether this particular phase of the 

 species is to be found anywhere. The specimen shown at the World's 

 Fair (PI, 39) is an admirable example of the old nuile, and since it was 



Dr. Holub's second exploring trip to Soutii ami Central Africa in 1883-1887, which 

 were lirst exhibited in 1891 in Vienna. The exposition at Pragne was the most 

 complete, 13,000 objects being exhibited in addition to ihe groups of mammals 

 whicli were mounted in accordance with measurements made by Dr. Holub in Africa. 

 There were a number of gronjjs of natives exhibited in counoction with their actual 

 dwellings and the implements of their arts and industries. A large album of views 

 of this exposition and of the groups was presented to the lustitution by Dr. Holub. 



H. Mis. 184, pt. L»- — ^ 



