REPOKT OF ASSISTANT SECEETARY. 33 



Naushon. Mr. William Brewster thinks that its extinction is clue to 

 the numerous foxes found on those islands. 



The Passenger Pigeon is still found in small numbers, but it is thought 

 that it will not be many years before this species will be entirely ex- 

 tinct. 



The California Vulture is becoming rarer each year. Large numbers 

 of these birds have been destroyed by eating poisoned meat intended 

 for other animals. 



The Carolina Paroquet is being rapidly destroyed for its plumage, 

 and few specimens are now left. Whole flocks can be killed easily, since, 

 when one has been wounded, the remainder will stay by it and can not 

 be frightened away. 



The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is rapidly diminishing in numbers. No 

 special reason has been assigned for its decrease. 



Capt. Charles E. Beudire, curator of birds' eggs, has added to the 

 above list the name of Pall as's Cormorant, Phalacrocorax perspicillatus. 

 This species became extinct about thirty-five years ago on the Com- 

 mander Islands. It is especially desirable to retain specimens of this 

 bird, since only three skins have been preserved. It is believed that 

 no skeleton or egg of this bird exists in any collection. This is a very 

 fine bird, the largest of its family, and is provided with a lustrous plu- 

 mage of burnished green and purple. 



In June, 1888, the Museum lost by death the services of Charles 

 Wickliffe Beckham. During his brief connection with the Museum 

 Mr. Beckham proved himself to be an intelligent and valuable assistant. 



During the year 1,497 specimens have been added to the collection, 

 and 2,206 entries have been made in the catalogue. 



birds' eggs. 



Capt. Charles E. Bendire, V. S. Army, honorary curator, has contin- 

 ued the work of measuring, numbering, and rearranging the collection, 

 and 1,778 specimens have been thus disposed of during the year. The 

 relabeling of the reserve series, in accordance with the nomenclature 

 adopted by the American Ornithologists' Union, has also been com- 

 menced. 



The principal contributions during the year have been received from 

 Lieut. H. C. Benson, U. S. Army, Dr. J. C. Merrill, U. S. Army, Dr. A. 

 K.Fisher, and Dr. C. Hart Merriam, of the Department of Agriculture ; 

 Mr. F. Stephens, of San Bernardino, California, and Col. K G. Goss, of 

 Topeka, Kansas. 



During the year 1,882 specimens Tiave been added to the collection, 

 and 487 entries have been made in the catalogue. 



REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS. 



The operations of this department have been seriously interrupted by 

 the necessity of making some repairs in the west basement of the Smith- 

 H. Mis. 142, pt. 2 3 



