THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 



The success of the several expeditions of Dr. Hrdhcka is due 

 in no small degree to the kind and efficient assistance he received 

 from the authorities both of the United States and of Mexico, 

 for which the i^Iuseum takes this occasion to express grate- 

 ful acknowledgment. Through the courtesy of the authorities 

 of the Mexican National Museum, Dr. Hrdlicka was enabled to 

 examine the valuable craniological collection in that institu- 

 tion. A word of grateful appreciation is due also to the officers 

 of the railroads utilized, and particularly to those of the Santa 

 Fe and the Mexican Central, for their aid to the expedition. 



DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 



AUTUMN COURSE OF LECTURES TO TEACHERS. 

 By Professor Albert S. Bickmore. 



October i8 and 25. — The Swiss Alps. 

 November i and 8. — The French Alps. 

 November 15 and 22. — Historic Towns of Central France. 

 November 29 and December 6. — Historic Towns of Southern 

 France and the French Riviera. 



NEWS NOTES. 



URING the past three months there have been 

 some notable additions to the gems and gem 

 material comprised in the Morgan gift. The 

 most striking of these are the large blocks of 

 Amethyst crystals which were found in a recently 

 discovered grotto in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. These have 

 been installed on the tops of the cases on the west side of the 

 Gem room. One of the most precious single objects among the 

 additions is a ceremonial axe-hammer of Agate which was once 

 the property of Cardinal Borgia and which bears ancient inscrip- 

 tions. The new series of Ceylon Sapphires is highly prized. It 

 contains two blue and yellow stones weighing 21 carats each, 



72 



