220 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1884. 



the Southern Hemisphere, and they therefore constitute a most valu- 

 able basis for the study of Miocene fossil plants, which usually possess 

 so little analogy with the floras of north temperate latitudes. It is to 

 be regretted that Mr. Schott's work was begun so late that few of the 

 hardy exotics of the parks and streets could be obtained before the 

 advent of frosts; but it is hoped that this work may be resumed and 

 completed next season. 



The following was the state of the collections at the close of the year: 



1. Total number of specimens of catalogued material (exclusive of my recent 



collections still in hand for study and not yet formally turned over to the 

 National Museum) 7, 291 



2. Specimens in the Museum, but which have not been specifically determined, 



and consisting to a great extent of silicified wood, petrified stems, trunks, &c. 2, 270 



3. Determined material 5, 021 



4. In the reserve series, many of which, however, are duplicates and can ulti- 



mately be used for purposes of exchange 3, 930 



5. Duplicates specially selected as such and now stored at the Armory Building. 1, 091 



6. Number of distinct species identified, catalogued, and installed 923 



7. Of which Paleozoic, chiefly Carboniferous 272 



8. Cretaceous, chiefly Dakota group 142 



9. Tertiary and Laramie group, largely the latter, which were classed as Eocene 



in the catalogue prepared by Mr. Lesquereux 509 



It is, perhaps, too early to speak of the proposed new department of 

 botany which I learn is about to be established in the Museum and 

 placed under my immediate charge, but I cannot repress my great 

 satisfaction at such a step, and I desire to assure you of my hearty co- 

 operation in making it a complete success. 



