Fourteenth Annual Report. 515 
Mammalia.—Amongst the animals recently added to the collection, and 
specially worthy of notice are: (1) two skins of the Tasmanian devil 
(Diabolus ursinus), presented by Mr. J. B. Poynter, of Poverty Bay; per 
Hon. G. Randall Johnson, M.L.C., two hedgehogs (Erinaceus europeus), one 
sable (Marter sibellina), one ermine (Mustela), one beautiful specimen of the 
platypus (Platypus anatinus). 
Pisces,—The most noticeable addition to this department is a col- 
lection of 161 specimens, illustrative of the Ichthyology of the Pacific 
Coast of North America, presented by the United States National 
Museum. 
Aves.—The acquisitions in this section, though not very numerous, are 
nevertheless of a very interesting character. The chief items are: (1) 
several specimens of Rallus affinis and allied species from Mr. A. Hamilton, 
of Napier; (2) an Australian roller (Eurystomus australis) shot at Akamotu 
and presented by Mr. A. Reid; (8) a fine peacock presented by Mrs. 
Borlase ; (4) a pure albino peacock, by Mr. Harding of Napier ; (5) a mag- 
nificent specimen of the bird of paradise (Paradisca raggiana), by Dr. 
Bennet of Sydney; (6) two bustards (Otis tarda) by Mr. Banbury of 
London ; (7) twenty-six skins, New Zealand and foreign, purchased by the 
Director 
New Zealand birds have been presented to Dr. Finsch, of Bremen; Mr. 
Hague, of London; and Dr. Buller, Wellington. A collection of thirty-two 
eggs was sent to Mr. A. Gillies, of Dunedin, as an exchange. 
Heptilia.—Only a few New Zealand species have been added to this 
branch, but a collection of the forms indigenous to this colony has been 
sent to the Bremen Museum. 
Invertebrata.—A collection of coloured corals, presented by Mr. H. E. 
Liardet, and a very fine collection of New Zealand sponges, presented by 
Mr. J. A. Smith of Napier, are the chief items under this heading. The 
sponges, however, are very important, as the quality leaves but little doubt 
that New Zealand may yet be able to produce sponges suitable for the 
market. 
Ethnological. 
Need large collections have been received under this head. Amongst 
the articles more especially worthy of notice are—(1) two J apanese shrines, 
500 years old, from the Temple of Kamakura, presented by Mr. H. $. 
Tiffen, of Napier; (2) a large collection of weapons, domestic utensils, etc., 
illustrative of the ethnology of New Guinea and neighbouring islands, 
received in exchange from Mr. H. H. Romilly, Deputy Commissioner of the 
Pacific; (8) casts of Maori implements, in exchange from the Canterbury 
Museum ; (4) a cast of the celebrated Rorotangi, the figure of a bird carved 
