N 8 PROVINCIAL MusEUM REPORT. 1916 


The Provincial Museum wishes to extend grateful thanks to the following gentlemen who 
have greatly assisted with identifications in their respective branches of biology :— 
Identification of Birds and Mammals.—The Biological Survey, United States National 
Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., and per sonally the following scientists : 
Messrs. H. W. Henshaw, Chief of the Biological Survey; E. W. Nelson, Assistant Biologist, 
Vernon Bailey, E. A. Pr eble, A. H. Howell, and Jackson; also Mr. H. ©. Oberholser, 
who kindly identified a lar ge series of bird-skins. 
Ide ntification of Bntomoloyic al Specimens.—The Biological Survey, United States National 
Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., and personally the following: Messrs. 
C. H. Townsend, Curator of Entomology, J. C. Crawford, R. P. Currie, Nathan Banks, Knab, 
8. A. Rohwer, and E. A. Schwarz; also Doctors Barnes and MeDunnough, of Decatur, Ill. ; 
Professor Raymond C. Osburn, of Columbia University ; Mr. F. H. W olley Dod, of Calgary, 
Alberta; Mr. L. W. Swett, Boston, Mass. ; and Mr. E. H. Blackmore, Victoria, B.C. 
Thanks are due also to Professor John Macoun, Naturalist of the Geological Survey, 
Ottawa; Mr. J. M. Macoun, Curator of the Her Sato Ottawa; Mr. Tasrerice M. Lambe, 
Vertebrate Palzontologist, Citar a, and C. F. Newcombe, M.D., Victoria. 
Notes on bird migrations and observations have been received from the following: J. E. 
H. Kelso, M. D., and W. B. Johnson, Lower Arrow Lakes; A. H. Palmer, New Westminster ; 
W. R. Carter, Deputy Game Warden, Alberni; Rev. A. C. Mackie, Vernon; J. A. Munro, 
Okanagan Landing ; and W. A. Newcombe. 
The Museum has been pleased to loan specimens and data in the different branches to 
authorities in the larger institutions throughout the East for the purpose of assisting specialists 
in their work of monographing several species of mammal and bird life. Ornithological 
specimens have been loaned to Mr. P. A. Taverner, Ottawa, and to Mr. J. H. Fleming, Toronto; 
also to the Biological Survey and Smithsonian Institute, Washington, birds and mammals ; and 
a large collection of grizzly bear skulls to Dr. C. Hart Merriam for study and comparison, to 
assist him with his work on the ‘Grizzly Bears of North America,” to be published under the 
Harriman Alaska Series of the Smithsonian Institution. 
EXPLORATION. 
During the year the Director arranged for three men to engage in field-work during 
the summer in widely separated districts, so as to cover as much territory as possible, and 
also to make the appropriation which is made by Legislature for this purpose go as far as 
possible, get results, and yet practise the strictest economy, which is necessary in the adminis- 
tration of this Department at the present time. These men were instructed to collect specimens 
in all branches of biology and in botany. Their respective reports show that they were 
successful, and T think the Museum has been more greatly benefited by this arrangement than 
by sending all the collectors out in one party. 
Mr. E. M. Anderson, of the Museum staff, was stationed at Sahtlam, about eleven miles 
from Dunean, vancoures Island, for the months of May, June, and July, and reports as 
follows :— 
‘Camp was established from May 8th to July 29th in an old log cabin built on a side-hill 
close to the Cowichan River and situated midway between the town of Duncan and Cowichan 
Lake. he latter is noted as a splendid fishing and hunting resort. The lake, being easily 
reached both by railway and stage, induces many sportsmen to spend a few days’ sport during 
the open season; this fact also applies to the ‘Cowichan River at certain times of the year. 
Sahtlam V. alley v varies from two to six miles in width, with thickly timbered mountains (chiefly 
Dougl: as fir with considerable cedar along its base), ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 feet above sea- 
level, whose general trend is to the north-west, for ming a continuous chain the whole length of 
the Island, with a gradual decline at both ends ; the highest snow-clad peaks attain an altitude 
of over 7, 000 feet. The bottom lands, through which “the Cowichan River flows, are mostly 
covered wath willow, cottonwood, alder, fir, and cedar. Clearings and roads intercept many 
parts, which otherwise would have been difficult to collect in. Regarding weather conditions, 
considerable rain fell during May and the first week of June, after w Reh the weather became 
more settled. From July Ist to the 6th it became very hot, the thermometer registering 86 
degrees in the shade; however, the heat soon moditied and most delightful weather was 
encountered until my departure from the district on July 29th. Most of my time afield was 
devoted chiefly to the collecting and preserving of birds and mammals, therefore allowing but 
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