Academy of Natural Sciences. 93 



make systematic collections of Birds and the larger Quadrupeds. 

 Among the latter, at the present time, are but a small number of na- 

 tive and still fewer foreign animals. Arrangements, however, are 

 making to extend this department which will no doubt hereafter re- 

 ceive its full share of attention. 



Perhaps no one of the Natural sciences has been more assidu- 

 ously cultivated by the members of the Academy than ornithologij. 

 This observation is established by a reference to the splendid works 

 of Mr. Alexander Wilson, Mr. George Ord and Prince Charles 

 Lucian Bonaparte. These gentlemen have widely diffused a taste 

 for this elegant study, but have in truth, left little to be divulged by 

 future inquirers. The collection of Birds in the Academy is not yet 

 extensive, and the number of species does not exceed five hundred ; 

 among which however, are many rare and beautiful specimens. 

 Among the larger birds are the male and female Condor, (Vultur 

 gryphus) from South America. The Eagle of Washington (Falco 

 Washingtonianus) recently described for the first time by Mr. Au- 

 dubon. Another bird rare in American collections is the Bengal 

 Adjutant, an adult and very finely characterized individual. The 

 Academy has lately become possessed of a splendid collection of 

 the birds of Surinam, and the adjacent continent and seas, present- 

 ed by Dr. Hering of that province. The collection embraces up- 

 wards of two hundred and fifty species, most of which were pro- 

 cured by the personal exertions of the donor, and have been sent in 

 admirable condition. They are now in progress of arrangement, 

 and will constitute a beautiful monument of the zeal and munifi- 

 cence of Dr. Hering. This handsome present has already stimu- 

 lated the members to additional exertions in the department of Orni- 

 thology ; and it is confidently believed that in the course of another 

 year the Academy will be in possession of nearly all the species of 

 birds inhabiting the middle Atlantic states. 



The collection of Fishes embraces many rare species, and is rap- 

 idly augmenting. The Reptiles are numerous, and include a large 

 proportion of the known American species of Testudo, Salamandra^ 

 Rana, Coluber, &-c. he. 



The cabinet of Shells, which is arranged in horizontal cases, pre- 

 sents one of the most ornamental portions of the Academy's muse- 

 um. The species exceed twelve hundred, each placed on a plaster 

 pedestal, with the generic and specific names affixed. A very in- 

 teresting part of the series is formed by the Fresh water and Land 

 shells, collected by Col. Stephen H. Long in thewestern States, and 



