86 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1904. 



WORK ON THE STUDY SERIES. 



In the division of mammals the two principal operations which 

 tend toward the preservation and improvement of the great series of 

 specimens reserved for the use of svstematic zoologists are the clean- 

 ing of skulls and the renovation of skins which have deteriorated on 

 account of the presence of oily matter or from other causes. During 

 the year 1903-4, 6,760 skulls were cleaned, or about 2,700 more than 

 in the preceding year. Somewhat more than two-thirds of these skulls 

 belong to the collection of the Biological Survej^, U. S. Department of 

 Agriculture. At the end of the year, 3,000 small and 1,200 large 

 skulls were on hand, for which no contract for cleaning had been 

 made. The importance of this work is due to the fact that at the 

 present time genera and species of mammals are founded largely on 

 cranial characters and measurements, which can only be determined 

 satisfactory after the skulls have been entirely stripped of the soft 

 parts surrounding or attached to them. 



During the year, 289 skins of the smaller species were made over 

 and put in order, and 73 large skins, such as those of deer, antelopes, 

 bears, etc., these being cleaned and tanned. 



The condition of the collection as a whole is excellent, but as no 

 new cases for small species were provided no improvement could be 

 made in the systematic arrangement of the material. The large skins 

 are now arranged systematically, but are much overcrowded. Dur- 

 ing the year the space behind the large exhibition case in the east side 

 of the west hall, about 90 feet in length, was fitted with 274 trays, 

 and the large skulls which are kept there were arranged in systematic 

 order, so that the material is now available. The labeling and arrange- 

 ment of the alcoholic series was completed during the year, and that 

 part of the collection is in excellent condition. 



In the division of birds, on account of lack of assistance and over- 

 crowded quarters, no special progress could be made in improving 

 the general condition of the study series, but many type-specimens 

 were newly labeled, obscure species identified, etc. Some 650 birds 

 sent to the Museum for naming during the year by various institu- 

 tions and individuals were properly identified, a task which consumed 

 much time. A large amount of material, comprising about 3,500 

 specimens, was borrowed for use by Mr. R. Ridgway in connection 

 with his manual of North and Middle American birds. 



The collection of birds' eggs is reported to be in better condition 

 than ever before. The arrangement of the nests and eggs was much 

 improved during the year. 



The study collection of reptiles and batrachians is in a satisfactory 

 condition and the systematic arrangement progressed favorably dur- 

 ing the year, though on account of insufficient space many difficulties 



