II 



the great bulk of the mammalia necessary. This was carried 

 out, and the Hycenidce, Canidce, and other groups, extended by 

 the inclusion of specimens from store. Two examples of the 

 Arctic and Blue Foxes, presented by Dr. W. S. Bruce, have 

 also been placed on exhibition. The group of rodents has 

 been increased by examples of Ground Squirrels. The Victoria 

 League of Tasmania, having presented to their Bristol con- 

 freres a fine example of the Duck-billed Platypus, the latter 

 was, by the kindly offices of Mrs. Fenton Miles, presented to 

 the Museum. 



Screens of lawn have been placed in the mammal cases 

 as a background. The modelled skin of the Caa'ing Whale 

 has been mounted upon the wall of the Museum, and the 

 skeleton placed in a floor case with the Cetacea. 



The valuable Braikenridge collections of birds and 

 Lepidoptera have been worked over, and the rarer specimens 

 placed in the general series. A series of nestling birds, nests 

 and eggs in natural surroundings, have been obtained by the 

 generosity of Mr. Heber Mardon. They now occupy a special 

 case in the bird section. Good progress has been made, in the 

 intervals of other work, in bringing the collection of bird skins 

 into one series in the drawers under the bird cases. 



Early in the year it was resolved to place three mounted 

 Springbok (recently obtained) amidst natural surroundings, 

 with a painted background, following on lines adopted in the 

 Natural History Museum of New York. A British Pheasant 

 group was also devised, and whilst these were in progress, the 

 welcome gift of a Nepal Tiger from H.M. the King, enabled 

 the whole of the available space to be taken up. Three cases 

 have accordingly been built, two of twelve feet in length, and 

 one of fifteen feet. Each is four feet deep, and nine feet high. 

 The accompanying plates indicate the general character of the 

 groups. The Springbok (Plate II) are shown near the margin 

 of a veldt, which stretches away into the horizon. A kopje is 



