13 



"Report of the Curator of the IHatural 

 Ibistorp flDuscum. 



REVIEW OF THE YEAR. 



The chief work of the year has been concentrated 

 upon the Zoological and Economic Biology departments, 

 and as a result, these sections have made considerable 

 progress. 



The latter department has fulfilled the hopes ex- 

 pressed a year ago, and there can be no question of its 

 paramount importance and utility. The collection of 

 Vertebrates has been increased by the welcome addition 

 of several rare forms, whilst the Invertebrates have 

 undergone a considerable expansion by reason of many 

 gifts, the utilisation of store material, and of special 

 purchases. 



The Museum was fortunate in acquiring by purchase 

 in October of 1907, the extensive collections of Glouces- 

 tershire Hymenoptera, Diptera, &c, made by the late 

 C. J. Watkins, F.E.S. Mr. Watkins had devoted almost 

 the whole of his life to the formation of his collection, 

 and made it the basis of his contribution to the Victoria 

 County History of Gloucester. The collection is notable 

 for its rarities and completeness. As a standard series 

 of the Gloucestershire insect fauna, its importance will 

 increase in future years. 



Art students from the Municipal and Kensington 

 Art Schools and various classes have continued to make 

 good use of the Museum collections for purposes of study, 

 and 28 permits have been issued to Art students desirous 

 of continuing their studies over a definite period. 



The number of demonstrations to parties have been 

 doubled during the year, and a series of three Saturday 



