XXX VI 11 rf:port on museum work 



fact that not only the lower part of the stem but also the 

 thicker parts of the roots were preserved in the position of 

 growth. But though it was so desirable as a museum 

 specimen, the difficulties presented by its bulk and weight, by 

 its rather awkward position, and by the distance over which it 

 had to be transported were so great that we should have had 

 to renounce it had not Mr. U. A. Ritson come to our aid. 

 Mr. Ritson took a great interest in the discovery, and he most 

 generously purchased the tree, arranged for its removal by 

 motor lorry, and paid the whole cost of transport and of the 

 subsequent erection in the museum. This last job, the 

 re-erection of the tree, was an interesting and difficult under- 

 taking. A large block of the stem, weighing considerably 

 over a ton, formed the key to the whole, and had to be 

 supported in position before the roots could be fitted on below 

 it. But with the help of photographs and preliminary 

 measurements we managed it quite successfully, and the tree 

 as it now stands forms an imposing object. An excellent 

 idea of its appearance may be gathered from the accompanying 

 figure, which is reproduced from a drawing kindly made for 

 us by Mr. A. Heslop, of the College School of Art. We have 

 not yet been able to make the tree fully accessible to the 

 public, as the corridor in which it stands is occupied by the 

 College geological department. 



Coral Cases. About eight years ago we cleaned, identified 

 and completely re-installed the corals, sea fans and sponges in 

 the Tankerville Collection at the south end of the zoology 

 room. Since then the wall-cases containing the collection had 

 become very dusty and dirty — more so than they ought to have 

 done. We have now had to clean the cases and specimens 

 again, and at the same time we had the cases examined to find 

 out where they were defective. As a result we have had the 

 doors taken off and fitted with fresh arrangements for trapping 

 dust, and we hope the worst of the trouble is remedied. 

 Nearly all the wall-cases in the room are in need of similar 

 treatment, but it has not been possible, with the funds at our 

 disposal, to deal with more of them at present. 



