REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1908. 53 
the U. 8. Geological Survey, the largest and most valuable series 
comprising 20 drawers of Paleozoic graptolites, the study of which 
had recently been completed for publication by Dr. Rudolph Ruede- 
mann, of the New York Geological Survey. Among the types de- 
scribed were some presented to the Museum by the University of 
Colorado. Through the medium of exchange about 2,500 specimens, 
representing 419 species, of European Paleozoic trilobites and 
brachiopods were received from Dr. F. Krantz, of Bonn, Germany ; 
470 species of various groups from Mr. J. Vaquez, of Pantin, France ; 
and 500 specimens of Tennessee Ordovician fossils from Mr. Manly 
D. Barber, of Knoxville. A fine slab of Uintacrinus, deposited by 
the Hon. Frank Springer and described in a paper soon to be pub- 
lished, constituted a most important addition to the exhibition series. 
The Smithsonian field party, under Secretary Charles D. Walcott, 
which made extensive geological explorations in British Columbia 
and Idaho during the summer of 1907, brought back important col- 
lections of Cambrian fossils, the study of which is being conducted 
by Doctor Walcott. Dr. R. S. Bassler, curator of the division, spent 
a part of July and August, 1907, in making collections especially 
from Niagaran strata in western Tennessee. During September 
and a part of the following May and June he was detailed to con- 
duct investigations in Virginia under the U. S. Geological Survey. 
A general study of the Niagaran rocks of the Mississippi Valley 
occupied his attention during the last three weeks of June. Some 
5,000 specimens of fossil invertebrates were secured during these 
surveys. 
Work on the Springer collection was continued, and the Gilbert 
and Nettelroth collections were recorded and installed, the total num- 
ber of specimens catalogued being 17,668. Two hundred and fifty- 
nine standard drawers and 110 boxes of unworked material were 
removed from storage and their contents placed in condition for 
examination. The Hambach collection was unpacked and arranged, 
but the specimens have not yet been catalogued. Doctor Bassler 
completed studies on the Nettelroth collection, the formation of 
geodes, the Niagaran strata of west Tennessee, a revision of the 
Beyrichiide, the cement materials of western Virginia, and the 
lower Devonian Ostracoda and Bryozoa of Maryland. He also con- 
tinued his work on the American Cambrian Ostracoda. 
Vertebrate paleontology.—The most notable accession in vertebrate 
paleontology was one received from the American Museum of Nat- 
ural History in partial exchange for the Cope collection, as arranged 
some time ago. It contains many rare species from various horizons 
in the United States and South America. Of primary interest are a 
fine skull, including the jaws, of Uintatherium, several good speci- 
mens.of Oligocene mammals, and many rare Eocene mammals. The 
