Press. The desk and wall cases on the gallery have been 

 set aside for a systematic series of specimens illustrating 

 structure, etc. After some trouble, it has been found 

 possible to set up most of the preparations in their natural 

 colours. After several months, some of the preparations 

 are as fresh and green as when first set up, and it is believed 

 this condition will be retained. The difference between 

 these and the former bleached alcoholic exhibits is most 

 striking. 



Examples to illustrate roots, stems, leaf-form and in- 

 florescences are already in place, and many others are ready 

 for mounting. Until the series has become more represen- 

 tative and complete some of the cases are occupied by 

 collections of mosses, sea-weeds, fruits and dried plants from 

 the Herbaria. The work of bringing the collections together 

 has been lightened by the generous co-operation of Professor 

 Isaac Bayley Balfour, Edinburgh ; Dr. Rendle, of the 

 Botanical Department of the British Museum ; the 

 Authorities of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew ; the 

 Colonial Section of the Imperial Institute ; Messrs Sutton 

 and Sons, and others. 



Economic Biology. 



This department occupies two floor-cases and the whole 

 of one series of wall cases in the Dame Emily Smyth room. 

 The collections have been much extended, specimens re- 

 mounted, and the whole so exhibited as to be readily available 

 to the public. It is hoped that the impetus given to the 

 study of Agriculture by the recent grants from the Board 

 of Agriculture will lead to a fuller use of these collections. 

 Already the insect pests are fully representative of those 

 met with in the West of England, and as the full life-history 

 of each is given, and the pamphlets of the Board of Agriculture 

 distributed to all inquirers, there is every reason to believe 

 that the section is doing a useful public work. 



