PROCEEDINGS. 627 



but upon Sundays and holidays as well. That the opening of the Museum 

 upon holidays has been a success is proven by the fact that a large number 

 ■of visitors have taken advantage of such opportunity. It was not deemed 

 advisable— owing to the extra cost — to keep a record of the number of 

 visitors, yet, a careful estimate places the number as exceeding one hun- 

 dred thousand for the year. 



In many instances the labels in the Museum — from age or other cause — 

 had become defaced or obscure. Much labor has been expended in re- 

 placing these, and, so far as possible, to assist the observer in the identi- 

 fication of the objects upon exhibition. By this means the necessity for 

 the use of a printed catalogue is in a measiire obviated. 



The thanks of the society are due to the Director of the Museum, in 

 recognition of his services. Aside from the fact that he has given gratu- 

 itous service in the interest of his department, he has also, with his 

 accustomed liberality, presented to us many rare and valuable additions 

 to our collection. These gifts acquire increased importance when we take 

 into consideration the fact that he is a prominent official in a kindred in- 

 stitution, in favor of which large demands have been made both upon his 

 time and purse. The friends of the Academy, who are most deeply inter- 

 ested in its prosperity, will appreciate his services, and his gifts as well. 

 That other benefactors will arise is not only to be hoped, but also expected. 



Amongst the many valuable donations made to the Museum during the 

 year, I may mention a few of the more prominent ones, viz., from Mr. B. 

 E. De Lopez, an excellent specimen of the Dugong; from Captain Knowles, 

 the skin of a male walrus; from J. Z. Davis, a valuable collection of 

 birds, mammals and reptiles, thirty-eight fossils, and a large Japanese 

 vase; from N. S. Kose, a collection of eggs; from Mrs. Andrew Kohler, 

 a large number of rare coins; from Mr. K. C. McGregor, skins of mammals; 

 from T. H. Hittell, shells; together with very many other articles of value 

 — gifts from different individuals. 



Among the specimens obtained by i^urchase, is that of a meteorite, 

 which fell in the vicinity of Oroville. The mass is of fifty-three pounds' 

 weight, and is one of the most perfect of its kind. 



We shall soon be in jjressing need of more cases for the display and 

 protection of our raj)idly increasing collection, for the placing of which 

 there is still abundant room in oiir galleries. 



We have also contracted for the skeleton of an Arctic whale, of the 

 length of eighty feet, or more; the cost of which Mr. Davis generously 

 offers to meet. 



The report of the Librarian, through his assistant Mr, Vaslit, is submit- 

 ted herewith. The increase in number of volumes during the year, 

 through gifts or purchases, is most gratifying. 



The Trustees have met the demands of the Librarian for the funds requi- 

 site for the purchase of books with a spirit of liberality. Twice the 



