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I 



MUSEUMS 



(c) Conservation. 

 The usual work of conservation has been continued throughout the 

 year. Some progress has been made in examining the Spirit Collections — 

 chiefly of Invertehrata — long stored in the Spirit Eoom, referred to in the 

 last Eeport, and sorting them out into gi-oups, with the intention of 

 submitting them to different specialists for determination and, if 

 necessary, description. A considerable time will, however, be still 

 required before this work can be completed. 



The whole of the Collections have been periodically examined, dusted, 

 and kept free from moth and other pests. 



Of the Mammals several of the Anthropoidea have been relaxed and 

 re-stuffed, while others have been reduced to skins. Of the Birds also a 

 large number have been relaxed and placed in the Study Collection. 



Numerous specimens of various Vertebrate Groups have been placed 

 in spirit or formic-aldehyde for future histological purposes, or for making 

 preparations in illustration of exhibited specimens. 



A number of Marine Invertebrates were obtained during the summer 

 at Port Erin and placed in formic-aldehyde of various strengths, to try 

 the efficacy of this new preservative for Museum purposes. The 

 specimens of Ui/drozoa, Mollusca and Fishes, experimented upon have, 

 in particular, been successfully preserved, with the retention of their 

 colouration and the life-like condition of their tissues. 



(d) Loans. 



Zoological specimens were during the past year made to the British 

 Museum (Natural History) ; to The Hon. Walter Rothschild, Tring, Herts ; 

 to Dr. L. Von Lorenz, Natural History Museum, Vienna (Cf. Aunalen 

 des K.K. Naturhistorischen Hof-Museums, Wien, Baud XI., Heft I.) ; 

 and to Dr. P. L. Sclater, the Zoological Society, London ; in each 

 case consisting of birds. 



(<?) Presents. 

 The number of gifts made to the Museum during the year has shown 

 no falling off as compared with last year. Many of these are valuable 

 and interesting specimens; but few are of outstanding importance. 

 Mr. Eidyard, Chief Engineer of the S.S. " Niger " (of Elder, Dempster 

 and Company), succeeded in bringing over from West Africa, on more 



