4 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1924 



ance of the Loeb collection of chemical types. The value of a defi- 

 nite sum annually available to systematically fill the more glaring 

 gaps in the series is more fully appreciated when it is recalled that 

 the Museum collections in all lines have been dependent almost 

 wholly upon gifts and upon Government and other explorations for 

 their growth. 



COLLECTIONS 



The total number of specimens received by the Museum during the 

 year was 362,942. This was considerably over the average during the 

 past 15 years (332,429), and exceeded numerically by over TO per cent 

 the receipts of the year 1923. Received in 1,736 separate accessions, 

 the specimens added during the year were classified and assigned as 

 follows: To anthropology, 2,359; zoology, 128,248; botany, 62,229; 

 geology and mineralogy, 5,042; paleontology, 154,879; mineral and 

 mechanical technology, 638 ; textiles, wood technology, organic 

 chemistry, foods, and medicine, 3,375; graphic arts, 771; Loeb col- 

 lection of chemical types, 27; and history, 5,374. Additional mate- 

 rial to the extent of 1,187 lots, chiefly geological, was received for 

 special examination and report. 



The distribution of duplicates aggregated 27,992 specimens besides 

 92 pounds of material in bulk for blowpipe analyses. Of these, 

 19,464 specimens and the blowpipe material were sent out as ex- 

 changes for which the Museum has or will receive a return, and the 

 remaining 8,528 specimens were distributed as gifts for educational 

 purposes. The latter included 10 regular or previously prepared 

 sets illustrating rock weathering and soil formation aggregating 

 210 specimens, 19 sets of ores and minerals aggregating 1,615 speci- 

 mens, and 14 sets of mollusks aggregating 2,086 specimens, a total of 

 3,911. The other donations comprised sets and individual specimens 

 to meet special needs. Nearly 17,000 specimens and some 24 pounds 

 of material in bulk were lent during the year to specialists elsewhere 

 for examination and study. 



The increment this year is notable not only because of the increase 

 in numbers, but also because of its scientific value. It is particularly 

 rich in type specimens and in other specially desired material, filling 

 gaps and otherwise strengthening the collections in many lines. For 

 instance, B. H. Swales by his generous gift of 201 bird skins added 

 183 species and 4 genera previously unrepresented in the Museum. 

 Suoh acquisitions immensely increase the scientific value of the 

 collections. 



An unusual number of explorations and expeditions, undertaken 

 by other governmental agencies and by private institutions and 

 individuals, benefitted the Museum this year. Biological and botani- 



