29 



merit was inferior to none in interest and instruction, the officers of 

 the Exposition most cheerfully admit. 



While other specimens were absent, opportunity was taken to 

 repair and refit the case containing the KENT collection of birds, 

 now in the best order. 



CASTS. 



During the summer it was determined that the Academy should 

 fulfill its contract with Prof. H. A. WARD, of Rochester, N. Y., by 

 returning to him from the collection of casts in its possession enough 

 to liquidate the debt remaining upon them. With the kind assist- 

 ance of Dr. ANDREWS, and the approval of the Executive Commit- 

 tee, casts were selected for this purpose. They were carefully packed 

 by Dr. VELIE, and have been received by Prof. WARD. Although 

 the majority of the pieces were sent away, the most instructive 

 remain. Some of those dismissed might have been kept with profit, 

 while others would hardly pay for the space which they would 

 occupy. 



ARRANGEMENT. 



Much labor has been expended upon the collections, to make them 

 more valuable to visitors and students, by the labeling of the shells 

 already referred to, and by the labeling and arrangement of the 

 eggs, minerals and fossils the latter being placed stratigraphically, 

 as far as possible. Most of the birds, fishes and mammals are also 

 labeled ; and this work should be continued, until everything placed 

 on view shall give a succinct account of itself shall present to the 

 visitor its own card of introduction. 



The immediate wants of the Museum are, 



1. Suitable cases for compact display of the shells. 



2. Glassware, for the distribution and display of specimens in 

 alcohol. 



With these it will be possible to place before the visitor nearly 

 everything which the Academy now owns. Its stock of exchange- 

 able material might soon procure very considerable accessions, which 

 would demand yet more room. 



