24 ACCOUNTS, &C., OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM. 



The specimens of Geology and Fossil Remains, both exhibited and in store, are in a 

 good state of preservation. The exhibited specimens are systematically arrano-ed, so far 

 as conditions of present space permit; they are instructively labelled, and, for the most 

 part, of easy access for scientific examination and comparison. The rock-specimens and 

 fossils stored in drawers, or in wall-cases of rooms or recesses not accessible to the public, 

 are well arranged for study by scientific visitors. 



The series of Mineralogy is in a good state of preservation, instructively arrano-ed, 

 displayed, and classified. 



Among the additions to the Department of Zoology, the most notable, by donation, 

 is the collection of shells, formed by Mrs. John Edward Gray, consisting of about 12,000 

 specimens, representing about 4,000 species. 



By purchase, the series of the brilliant or richly-coloured Beetles of the family 

 BuprestidcB, is the most remarkable acquisition of the year 1874. They give the results 

 of the studies of the eminent Naturalist, so long and specially applied to the group ; the 

 collection made by Mr. Edward Saunders, in combination with the previous acquisitions 

 of the same group of Coleoptera, constitutes a feature in the Entomological series unique 

 in its completeness. 



Amongst the fossils from the nummulitic eocene limestone, near Cairo, noticed in the 

 Report from the Department of Geology, the most remarkable is a cast, in that matrix, 

 of the interior of the cranium of a Sirenian Mammal ( Eotherium agyptiacunt,) exhibiting 

 a form and proportions of the brain different from, and inferior in relative size to, that in 

 existing species of Manatees and Dugongs. Additional evidences of the extinct pouched 

 quadrupeds of Australia have been received, chiefly through the research and liberality 

 of the donor. Dr. George Bennett, P.L.S., of Sydney, New South Wales. Characters of 

 new genera and species founded on these fossils are recorded in the " Transactions of 

 the Royal Society." 



Richard Owen. 



Department of Zoology. 



I. Arrangement. 



The work of determining, arranging, and cataloguing the extensive Collection of 

 Chirvptera (Bats), which includes now more than 2,000 specimens, was commenced in 

 the middle of last year, and has made considerable progress. The skins and osteological 

 preparations of the Quadrumanous and Carnivorous Mammals have been re-labelled, the 

 manuscript registers having been carefully searched for information regarding the history 

 and localities of the specimens. 



The examination and re-arrangement of the Nocturnal Birds of Prey is nearly com- 

 pleted. 



The numerous specimens and remains of the living and extinct gigantic Land-Tortoises 

 have been examined, arranged, and described ; and a full account of them is in course of 

 ^publication in the forthcoming volume of the " Philosophical Transactions." 



Further progress has been made in collecting the preliminary materials towards a re- 

 arrangement of the Collection of Lizards ; this work has now proceeded as far as the 

 family Geckotidce. 



Several groups of the Collection of Fishes, as the ChatodoulidcB, Acronurida, &c., have 

 been re-examined ; and numerous recent additions named and entered into the catalogue. 



The general arrangement of the specimens of Crustaceans has been continued ; and 

 that of the Sponges completed. 



The addition of eight 20-drawer cabinets has greatly facilitated the work of re-arrang- 

 ing certain portions of the Entomological collection, more especially the Coleopterous 

 family Buprestida;, and the Homopterous Insects. The former is contained in 70 drawers, 

 and consists now of 3,263 species, 449 of which have been described from the collection 

 in the Museum, the number of specimens amounting to 11,036. The class oi Homoptera 

 occupies 151 drawers, and is represented by 4,046 species, and 10,161 specimens. All 

 these specimens have been so arranged, that a sufficient space is left for future accessions, 

 which thus can be incorporated without disturbing the previous contents of the drawers. 

 The arrangement of the Diptera has been proceeded with, and that of the Moths com- 

 menced. 



' ' II. Conservation. 



Several of the large mounted specimens of Mammals have been cleaned, and others 

 removed from the public galleries on account of their deteriorated condition. Specimens 

 more recently acquired have taken their place ; for instance, a wild Buffalo of Southern 

 Abyssinia, the skeleton of a Giraffe, skeletons of the Narwhal and Killer {Delphinus 

 orca), the skeleton of a large Crocodile from Abyssinia, &c. Some beautiful specimens 

 of corals {Antipathes and Madrepora) have also been mounted for exhibition. The work of 



labelling 



