12 



Birds, about 4000 of which are also named and labelled. 

 Of Fishes there are 1260 specimens, and of Reptiles 10o4< 

 actually exhibited, besides numerous others preserved in 

 jars and bottles. 62 specimens of Reptiles, and 83 speci- 

 mens of Fishes have been added during the past year. 



The Osteological collection, which had increased too 

 slowly during the earlier years of tlie Society to be an ob- 

 ject of special attention in former Reports, has made such 

 rapid progress during the last two years, as to entitle it to 

 more prominent notice. This important collection — the 

 true foundation of Scientific Zoology among the higher 

 classes of animals — already consists of 386 perfect skeletons, 

 and upwards of 700 crania of Mammals. Of the former 

 number 86 are mounted and exhibited in the Museum ; 

 among which are 42 skeletons of Mammals, 39 of Birds, and 

 4 of Reptiles : the remaining 300 are preserved in store. 

 Besides these, there is an extensive collection of the sterna 

 of Birds. 



The valuable collection of Insects originally presented by 

 Mr. Vigors, and which, in the course of the last ten years, 

 had suffered considerably from the accumulation of dust 

 and the depredations of the smaller parasites, was thoroughly 

 cleaned and restored in the course of the last autumn, and 

 is now placed beyond all danger of farther injury, at least 

 for the present ; but it is feared that neither this nor any 

 other portion of the Society's Collections can be pronounced 

 perfectly secure, till they are removed to a cleaner, airier, 

 and more extensive situation. 



Donations to the Museum. 



The principal donations to the Museum since the last 

 Anniversary v/ere 



A Young Harp Seal {Phoca Gffenlandica), presented by 

 Messrs. Robinson, Brooking and Co. 



A Collection of Skins of IMammalia from South America, 

 presented by John Wray, Esq. 



Eleven Skins of Species of Birds new to the Society's Col- 

 lection, presented by H. E. Strickland, Esq. 



