334 CALIFORh'IA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES [Proc. 4th Ser. 



Whales possess no externally-visible hind-limbs ; vestiges, 

 however, are present under the skin. The fore-limbs are in the 

 form of paddles which appear to be used as balancers rather 

 than in locomotion. The tail is fish-like in form, but the flukes 

 are horizontal instead of vertical as in fishes, which arrange- 

 ment enables the whale to rise promptly to the surface when it 

 needs to breathe. When the whale breathes the expired air 

 rushes out through the nostrils, or blow-hole, the water vapor 

 in the breath condenses and appears like a column of water. 



The Sulphur-bottom Whale skeleton has been housed in a 

 suitable open shed erected in the court between the research 

 wing and the bird hall. This shed is 94.5 feet long bv 24 

 feet wide, 22 feet high at the comb and 14 feet at the eaves. 

 The shed is open on all sides. The roof is supported by 14 

 posts or columns each 12" x 12" x 13' 9", all set in a concrete 

 base which is continuous on all sides. Between the posts is a 

 double heavy iron rail. The construction is architecturally 

 substantial and pleasing in appearance. The total cost of the 

 shed has been $1777.08. 



EMPLOYEES 



A few changes in the personnel of the Museum have occurred 

 within the year. On January 31, the resignations of Mr. John 

 Rowley and Mr. A. L. Bolton were received and accepted. Mr. 

 Rowley had for several years been chief taxidermist and chief 

 of exhibits. Mr. Bolton had been an assistant to Mr. Rowley 

 for some years. Mrs. M. L. Pariser assistant department of 

 exhibits, resigned May 14, and Miss Olive E. Cutter was ap- 

 pointed to the vacancy May 21. Mrs. Mary C. Kaeding was 

 appointed check-room attendant May 1, and served until Octo- 

 ber 31. Mr. Jos. P. Herring, assistant department of exhibits, 

 resigned June 30, and Mr. Ignatius W. McGuire, who had for 

 several years rendered very efficient and valuable service as 

 general office assistant, resigned December 24, to enter the 

 University of California. 



Th employees of the Museum during the year have been as 

 follows : 



Dr. Barton W^arren Evermann, Director and Executive 

 Curator of the Museum and Editor; W. W. Sargeant, Secre- 

 tary to the Board of Trustees; Miss Susie Peers, stenographer 



