ACCOUNTS, ESTIMATES, &C. OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM. 2.3 



difficuU, and the scientific utility of this part of the collection is proportionably restricted. 

 The arranged and exhibited series of shells of the Mollusca is in a e;oo(l state of preserva- 

 tion and instructively displayed, but many of the specimens are of inferior quality. 



The small proportion of the class Insecta, publicly displayed, is in ;i good state of pre- 

 servation, and is instructively arranged and labelled. The very large proportion of the class 

 in the Basement EntomoL'gical Store-room is in a good state of preservation, and so 

 arranged in drawers as to be conveniently accessible for study and comparison. 



The large proportion of the Echinodeimata now exhibited and systematically arranged in 

 the public galleries, together with the stored specimens of the class, is in a state of pre- 

 servation. 



The specimens of the classes Annelides and Entozoa aie in a good state of preservation; 

 they are stored, in bottles of spirits, for the most part in the basement. 



The s|>eciinens of the class Crustacea are in a good state of preservation ,• a proportion of 

 this class is exhibited and systematically arranged. 



The Corals and other Radiata, in the public gallery, occupy detached glazed cases in such 

 spaces as can, with least incorivenience, be taken from the gangways and recesses of the 

 Mammalian Sal"on. Both the exhibited and stored sj)ecimens are in a good state of 

 preservation. 



The collection of the Osteoiogical specimens is in a state of preservation; the conditions 

 of the stowage of these specimens in the basement vaults alioted to them oppose difficulties 

 to their application in the comparison of recent and fossil bones. 



The exhibited series of Nests and Nidaniental structures are in a good state of preservation. 



The series of horns and antlers are exhibited ; but for the most part, through present con- 

 ditions of space, apart from tlie stuflTed specimens of the species to vvh ch they belong or 

 may be allied. 



The collection of British Natural History is in a good state of preservation, and is well 

 arranged and displayed, afF.>rduig the requisite facilities for study and comparison of speci- 

 mens. 



The proportion of the series of the fossil remains which can be exhibiied is instructively 

 arranged and labelled, and in most instances favourably, for examination and comparison. 



The proportion of the I'ossil series kept in store is partly arranged in gi ized cabinets in 

 studies and vvoikrooms to which the public have not acce>s, partly in drawers beneath the 

 table-cases in the public gallery, partly in the basement vaults ; but for the most part easily 

 available to the stud-nt and scientific visitor. 



All the fossil specimens, exhibited and in store, are in a good state of preservation. 



A large proporiion of the series of Mineralogy is exhibited under conditions of nrrano-e- 

 ment, with instructive models and indices, and with generic and specific labellino-, hiohly 

 favourable to the study and scientific application of this depart. iicnt of the Natural History. 

 All the specimens of iVJinerals displayed and in store are in a perfect state of preservation, 



In the department of Zoology there have been acquired the parts which best exemplify 

 the specific characters and affinities of the Cetacea, viz., the skeleton of two of the laroei 

 kinds of Whale; one of the Whalebone family {Physalus latirostris), and one of the 

 " Sperm Whale " {Catodon mucrocephalu^^ . 



In the additions to the class Kepiilia may be noted many typical specimens described by 

 the donor, Sir A. Smith, in his " Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa." Some 

 remarkable forms of soft Turtle (^2'rionychidce) have been received from West Africa. 



The materials for defei mining the specific characters of British Salmonoid fishes have 

 been, through the liber.ility of donors, numerous and important, with well-defined localities, 

 in Englar.d, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. For comparison with these, specimens of 

 Salmonoids have been obtained from Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, and 

 Iceland. 



Two examj It s of the poisonous fish {Thala&sophryne) aie contained in the collection from 

 Central America, presented by Captain Dow. 



The skull, upwards of five feet in length, of the most gigantic of the extinct Plesiosauroid 

 'Ke'^nles {Plesiosaurus grandis), forms a striking addition to that series of Fossils ; it was 

 obtained by the lib; ral donor, J. C. Mansell, Esq.^ from the Kimmeridge Cliy, of Kim- 

 meridt;e, Dorsetshire. 



Of the total number of additions to the Natural History, J 6,700 are registered in the 

 department of Zoology, 10,079 in the department of Geology, and- 3,6:23 in the department 

 of Mineralogy. 



Richard Owen. 



Department of Zoology. 



The different classes of Zoology have been increased during the year 1865 to the extent 

 of 16,700 specimens, which are thus divided: — 



Vertebrate Animals _ _ . _ _ 2,753 



Molluscous and Radiated Animals - - - - 5,106 



Annulose Animals - - - - - - 8,841 



Total - - 16,700 



187. C4 AH 



