Birds. 247 



The latter officer had been the commander of the Beagle, and 

 this collection was probably made during that expedition. 



126 birds from British Guiana, collected by Sir R. Schom- 

 burgk, and presented by the Royal Geographical Society. 



1838. 



434 specimens presented ; 245 purchased. Total number of 

 additions, 679. 



Of special interest are the following : — 



158 birds from Tasmania; presented by Ronald Gunn, Esq. 

 For a long time the only collection of Tasmanian birds in the 

 Museum, and of great value at the time of its presentation, but 

 from being mounted for many years in the Gallery, the specimens 

 were ruined by light and dust, and but few now remain. 



82 specimens of birds from India and China ; presented by 

 John Russell Reeves, Esq. 



Ill specimens purchased at the sale of the South African 

 Museum. Dr. J. E. Gray records the fact that they were all 

 " stuffed by Messrs. Verreaux " and were collected during Sir 

 A. Smith's expeditions into the interior of South Africa. Many 

 types were included in the series. 



1839. 



225 specimens pi'esented ; 238 purchased. Total number of 

 acquisitions, 463. 



No addition of any importance took place this year, but an 

 effort was evidently being made to replenish the collection of 

 British Birds, since 114 young birds of various species were 

 presented by Mr. J. Baker. 



1840. 



136 specimens presented; 141 purchased. Total number of 

 additions, 277. 



Nothing added of any great importance. 



47 British birds, presented by Mr. J. Baker. 



52 birds from West Australia. Presented by Capt. [after- 

 wards Sir George] Grey. 



These specimens were obtained by John Gould, and doubtless 

 given to Governor George Grey, with whom Gould was on terms 

 of great friendship. 



1841. 



385 specimens presented ; 583 purchased. Total number of 

 additions, 968. 



