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The fish, amphibian, and reptilian cases have been 

 entirely refitted with shelves, which permit of every 

 specimen being seen clearly, many family and species 

 descriptive labels have been added, and numerous 

 additions have been made from stores and by gift. 



An interesting series illustrating the general osteo- 

 logy of the Snakes is almost completed, whilst similar 

 series, illustrative of Tortoise and Turtle skeletal 

 structure were added earlier in the year. The series of 

 specimens in the lower part of the crocodile case have 

 been much improved by the addition of a background 

 of painted canvas depicting the general characters of an 

 African crocodile river. This is illuminated at dusk by 

 concealed electric lights, giving a most pleasing and 

 realistic effect. The Committee are much indebted to 

 Mr. A. Wilde Parsons (the well-known Bristol artist), 

 for this kindly service. 



The general bird series has received many additions 

 during the year, but new cases are most urgently needed 

 to protect the specimens from dust and other injury. 



Early in the year, the Museum received the gift of a 

 selected series of British birds, including 36 genera, and 

 61 species, and 106 specimens from Mr. William 

 Henderson. All the specimens had been set up 

 amongst natural surroundings in glazed boxes. The 

 latter were carefully cut away, portions of the backs 

 and sides being left where necessary to support the 

 natural surroundings, and the whole then remained 

 supported upon the original bottom of the case, which 

 became a base board. The improvement in the groups 

 was remarkable, and the whole series are now placed on 

 exhibition in the Passerine case. By means of the 

 Grant-in-aid and the gifts of Mr. P. H Vaughan and 

 others, already mentioned under the head of Cases, the 



