Annual Report. 323 



ing to Mr. J. Verreaux, which he has committed to the temporary 

 care of the Institution. 



There is one case of insects, chiefly Coleopterous, which is 

 the property of the Institution ; the specimens are South African, 

 and amount to about 300 species. 



In regard to those two last departments, as the collection of 

 specimens of the South African species is very easy, the Institu- 

 tion may hope that it will receive many additions from the exer- 

 tions of its Members. 



Of fishes, the specimens amount to about ninety, including 

 several of great rarity and interest, particularly in the family 

 of the sharks, of which the species are above twenty. Of 

 turtles there are three fine specimens of different species, and of 

 lizards six species stuffed, and several of the smaller description 

 belonging to this family are preserved in spirits. In the depart- 

 ment of herpetology we have lately received a splendid specimen 

 of a Boa skin and skeleton ; and there is, besides, an exten- 

 sive collection of South African snakes in bottles. 



The Museum is peculiarly rich in ornithology, of which two 

 private collections, belonging to Ur. Smith and Mr. von Ludwig, 

 have been temporarily attached to it. The former is of great 

 interest and value, particularly in regard to the families ot the 

 Raptores and Passeres, among the birds of this country. In 

 Mr. Ludwig's collection, the splendid and conspicuous birds of 

 the colony predominate. The property of the Institution in this 

 department is of far less value, but will form a respectable 

 foundation for a collection. 



Of quadrupeds there are thirty specimens, all colonial, and in 

 a tolerably good state of preservation. There are also at present 

 in the Museum two lion cubs, belonging to Mr. Verreaux. In 

 this respect, therefore, the present state of the Institution is 

 cheering, and we may confidently anticipate much addition to 

 several of these departments, since we have now so advisable a 

 receptacle for the study and exhibition of them. 



Of works of art, we have some examples of arms, &c. manu- 

 factured in the Pacific Islands, which have been chiefly presented 

 by Captain Finch, of the Vincennes, United States ship of war, 

 and also many of a similar description of objects, made by the 

 colonial tribes. 



From the outline now given it will be seen that, as is becoming 

 our powers, our resources, and our aim, our attention has been 

 devoted rather to unfold the practical use of science, than to 

 extend its boundaries; and therein have we followed, though at 

 humble distance, the general direction at present given to the 

 inquiries of those who investigate ; and have been striving to 

 take a place among the many cultivators in the domain of science, 

 who are employed in rendering fruitful the tract they superin- 

 tend, rather than in extending the territory by new acquisitions. 

 And we trust that in looking back on our past endeavours, we 



