New Zealand Institute. : 521 
MUSEUM. 
The number of names entered in the Visitors’ Book during the year is 
12,000, but as comparatively few make use of this register, it does not give 
even an approximate idea of the number of persons who visit the Museum, 
- and it is very desirable that some mechanism should be provided for record- 
ing, as is done in other similar institutions. The additions to the Museum 
will be found in the usual report, printed in pamphlet form (Sixteenth 7 
Annual Report, 1880-1). 
Naturat History CoLLEcrions. 
The additions to the Natural History collections have not been very 
extensive, but, nevertheless, comprise some specimens of high scientific 
interest. 
Mammatia.—The most important items under this head are: (1) a very 
fine skeleton of the killer-whale (Orca pacifica), which was stranded near 
Wanganui, and secured for the Museum through the kindness of Mr. 8. H. 
Drew; (2) skins of the sea-lion (Otaria hookeri), from the Auckland Islands, 
and a skeleton of the sea-elephant (Morunga elephantina), collected by Mr. 
Burton, Taxidermist to the Museum. : 
Aves.—Amongst the birds recently added to the collections, and specially : 
worthy of notice, are (1) a very fine capercailzie (Tetrao urogallus), pur- — 
chased by Dr. Hector; (2) a series of gannets (Dysporus serrator ), showing 
the nestling, young in the first year’s plumage, and the adult, obtained — 
at Gannet Island, and presented by Captain Fairchild, of the Government 
Steamer “ Hinemoa ”; (3) specimens of the merganser ( Mergus australis . 
the flightless duck (Nesonetta aucklandica )s and a series of shags, coll 
at the Auckland Islands by Mr. Burton. foes 
Pisces.—(1) A cask of Australian fishes, received in exchange from the : 
Curator of the Australian Museum; (2) a fine specimen of Ophiswrus serpens 
from Mahia Lagoon, captured and presented by Mr. J. Cunningham ; (3) 
@ splendid collection, consisting of 205 specimens, illustrative 4 ie Ichthy- 
ology of North America, presented by the United States Nati 
have been received and placed in the “ stock room” until accommodation 
can be provided in the Museum. 
Reptilia—A magnificent collection of North American reptiles, com- 
prising 50 species and 92 specimens, has been received from the ‘United : — 
_ States National Museum, but, like the fishes, cannot be displayed Sx oot ee 
_ of proper accommodation. 
~ Invertebrata.— The additions to this section have been ny 
