28 



This is an- under estimate, as much of the material is in alcohol r 

 and circumstances have prevented its full identification. 



Since Dr. VELIE'S return, he has mounted and placed in the 

 Museum all the fishes, including the Ceratopterus Vampirus or 

 Devil-fish, a large and an infant porpoise, a large female saw-fish 

 and a Jew-fish; also, two large turtles, a fine rattlesnake, and 

 many other specimens of minor importance. 



While Dr. VELIE was absent, Mr. W. W. CALKINS spent about 

 two months in Florida, devoting his time chiefly to scientific obser- 

 vation and to collection. He returned to the Academy, bringing a 

 large amount of valuable material, chiefly from the vicinity of St. 

 Augustine. 



THE EXPOSITION. 



v In midsummer, after some discussion, it was determined by the 

 Executive Committee that the Academy should once more exhibit 

 selections from its Museum at the Inter-State Industrial Exposition. 

 For this purpose Dr. VELIE hastened to finish the fish which had 

 been brought from the Gulf one of which, the Devil-fish, was 

 admitted to be one of the most attractive objects in the entire dis- 

 play of the exposition. Advantage was taken of this occasion to 

 arrange and label all the conchological collection of the Academy, 

 found to number about 1,100 species. 



The Academy placed on view at this time: 



5 cases of Shells and Star-fish. 



i " of Reptiles. 



i " of Mammals. 



3 " of Birds. 



i <: of Corals, Gorgonias and Sponges. 



I case and three large pyramids of Fishes. 



This display was supplemented by the collections of members of 

 the Academy, including, 



i case of Eggs and a very beautiful Albino Deer, from Dr. VELIE. 



4 cases of Mound-Builders' Pottery and Implements, from H. N. RUST, Esq. 



9 cases of Insects, from the Secretary. 



From these sources came more than three-fourths of the entire 

 exhibit in the Department of Natural History. That this depart- 



