24 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1909. 
additions to the division of ethnology was a contribution from Dr. 
W. L. Abbott, consisting of about 500 objects from southwestern 
Borneo. I may also mention a number of Chinese velvets and em- 
broideries of the Chien-lung period (1736-1795), presented by the 
Baroness von Sternberg as a memorial to her husband, the late Baron 
Speck von Sternberg, German ambassador to the United States. To 
the technological collections were added more than 200 objects trans- 
ferred from the United States Patent Office. These included a num- 
ber of rifles, muskets, revolvers, and pistols, making the firearms ex- 
hibit in the National Museum one of the finest in the country. Many 
other objects of interest are enumerated by the assistant secretary in 
his detailed report. The department of biology received a noteworthy 
gift of about 1,200 European mammals and 61 reptiles from Mr. Old- 
field Thomas, of the British Museum, and Mr. Gerrit S. Miller, of 
this Museum. This has so greatly increased the importance of the 
National Museum collection of the mammals of Europe that it now 
ranks as one of the largest and most valuable in the world. I may 
also mention a contribution of about a thousand mammals and birds 
of Borneo, received from Dr. W. L. Abbott. 
In connection with the work of excavation and repair of the Casa 
Grande ruins in Arizona, under the direction of the Smithsonian 
Institution, as authorized by act of Congress approved March 4, 
1907, there were collected and placed in the National Museum about 
650 stone axes and hammers, rubbing and grinding stones, earthen- 
ware bowls and vases, pieces of basketry and textile fabrics, shell 
ornaments, and wooden implements. From similar excavations in 
the Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, there were received about 
500 objects of like character. The department of geology received 
a large series of Cambrian fossils from the Rocky Mountains, col- 
lected during my field studies in that region. There were also added 
to the collections many interesting objects pertaining to mineralogy 
and paleobotany. Eighty-two regular sets of geological specimens 
to the number of 7,739 were distributed during the year for educa- 
tional purposes, besides 1,300 specimens of geology, marine inverte- 
brates, and fishes arranged in special sets. 
In my last report mention was made of a loan collection of laces, 
embroideries, rare porcelains, enamels, jewelry, and other artistic ob- 
jects, temporarily installed in the hall occupied by the gallery of art. 
This collection was brought together by Mrs. James W. Pinchot with 
the assistance of a committee of ladies of Washington. The extent 
of the collection is limited on account of present lack of space. The 
lace exhibit is specially noteworthy in variety and value. It is ex- 
pected that this temporary collection will lead to a permanent exhibit 
of art objects that may help to elevate the standard of American art 
workmanship. 
