216 Staten Island Association of Arts and Sciences 



Labels 

 When the Museum was opened all the specimens were provided with 

 typewritten labels. These are being replaced as rapidly as possible by per- 

 manent labels, printed on the Museum press. The work of labeling 

 progresses slowly because of the care necessary in obtaining accurate infor- 

 mation, often involving considerable research. It is hoped that all perma- 

 nent exhibits may be completely labeled by the close of the calendar year 



Accessories 

 The supports and other accessories used in mounting specimens for 

 exhibition were for the most part purchased with the appropriation made 

 by the city last year. For the geological specimens white pasteboard trays 

 bearing a shoulder for the label are used ; these are also employed for the 

 general collection of minerals, but the quartzes and agates are displayed 

 on square wooden blocks painted dead black. The birds are mounted or. 

 perches of natural twigs ; birds' nests are placed in the wire supports 

 designed by the late Major Bendire, of the National Museum. The birds' 

 eggs are laid upon a bed of sawdust dyed black, the various groups sepa- 

 rated by pasteboard strips. Archeological specimens are provided with 

 wooden blocks painted cream yellow, the case having a backing of similar 

 color. In most of the cases white, green or brown burlap is used for the 

 backing, giving a very satisfactory and artistic effect. 



Accessions 

 The total number of accessions is 98, representing 3,082 specimens, 

 apportioned among the different subjects as shown in the following table: 



Accessions Specimens 



Zoology 33 1.306 



Botany 10 924 



Geology 22 196 



Anthropology 1 250 



Arts and antiquities 8 43 



Books, photographs and maps 23 285 



Miscellaneous 1 78 



98 3,082 



By gift 1,518 



By exchange , 9°4 



By purchase — 600 



3,082 



Of special importance was the collection of reptiles, batrachians, and mis- 

 cellaneous objects purchased from Mr. Charles Myers, of New York City, 

 upon the recommendation of the curator-in-chief, a fund for this purpose 

 having been subscribed by about thirty members of the Association. The 

 gift of Mr. Alanson Skinner's excellent collection of objects illustrating 



