34 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1888. 



sonian building. This work lasted for several mouths. The entire re- 

 serve series has been transferred from the laboratory of the department 

 to store-rooms. After the repairs had been completed, the collection 

 was again transferred to its former position. This series has, to a great 

 extent, been relabeled and systematically arranged. 



Studies upon the Batrachia in the Museum have been continued by 

 Prof. E. D. Cope, of Philadelphia. 



The curator, Dr. H. C. Yarrow, has investigated the subject of rattle- 

 snake venom, with a view to determining its action upon animals, and 

 numerous experiments have been made with so-called antidotes for the 

 venom. A popular account of these experiments was published in 

 " Forest and Stream," in May and June, 1888, and a final statement of 

 the results of his investigations will be published in a future report of 

 the Museum. 



During the year 122 specimens have been added to the collection, and 

 83 entries have been made in the catalogue. 



FISHES. 



Dr. Tarleton H. Bean, honorary curator, was directed by the U. S. 

 Commissioner of Fisheries to investigate the fishes of Great Egg Har- 

 bor Bay, New Jersey, and in July, 1887, left Washington for that pur- 

 pose. The results of this investigation have been embodied in a paper 

 prepared by him for publication. 



Great disorder to the collection has been caused by the necessary re- 

 moval of the exhibition series of fishes from the hall during the fire-proof- 

 ing of the west end of the Smithsonian building. Immediately after 

 the completion of this work the collections were returned to their places. 



In 1888 Dr. Bean was ordered by the U. S. Commissioner of Fisheries 

 to join the U. S. Fish Commission schooner Grampns for the purpose of 

 investigating the southern mackerel fishery, and this cruise occupied 

 his time during May and June, 1888. 



The growth of the collection in this department during the year 

 has been very satisfactory. Special work was accomplished on collec- 

 tions received from Ensign W. E. Safford, U. S. Navy, C. H. Townsend, 

 and Senor Don Jos6 Arechavaleta. A small collection of fishes from 

 Honduras was received from Mr. C. H. Townsend and reported upon. 

 The collections of fishes made by the U. S. Fish Commission steamer 

 Albatross and the U. S. Fish Commission schooner Grampus have been 

 catalogued and preserved. Types of several new species have been ob- 

 tained, and descriptions of these have been prepared for publication in 

 the Proceedings of the National Museum. The curator states in his 

 report that 62 accessions ha^e been received, representing nearly every 

 State and Territory. 



During the year 1,350 specimens have been added to the collection, 

 and 450 entries have been made iu the catalogue. 



