REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY. 51 



received a compound nest of the Bed-wing blackbird (Agelaius phceni- 

 ceus) and the Marsh wren (Cistothorus palustris), both occupied at the 

 same time, and a double nest of the Summer Yellow-bird (Dendroica 

 cestiva). G. H. Hudson sent a collection of 31 specimens, 26 species, 

 of butterflies and moths. Among other objects were a Cramp-fish 

 (Torpedo, sp.), decomposed tourmaline, larvae of a Salamander (Ambly- 

 stoma, sp.), apatite, iron ore, and 3 specimens of the Ausable granite. 



North Carolina. — A collection of birds' nests and eggs was sent by 

 M. Abbott Frazar in exchange. Minerals, among them a cut sapphire 

 and two specimens of cassiterite, came from Dr. 0. W. Dabney, from 

 W. C. Poteat, who also sent some shells, and from T. J. Poyner. A. J. 

 Austin, keeper of Poyner's Hill life-saving station, secured two Black- 

 fish (Globicephalus) skeletons. A Bald eagle, several insects, birds 7 

 nests and eggs, and Indian stone implements were also contributed. 



Ohio. — A collection of archaeological objects was sent in exchange 

 by W. 0. Cone. H. W. Henshaw gave some birds' nests. A specimen 

 of meteoric iron from a mound near Madisonville was received in ex- 

 change from the Peabody Museum, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Oberlin 

 College sent in exchange 28 kinds of corals. A microscopical slide con- 

 taining what was suppposed to be volcanic dust was sent by G. H. 

 Curtis. This material upon examination proved to be the pollen of 

 some plant. W. H. Crane sent ten specimens of an insect, a new species 

 of Cis, from Cincinnati, and other insects were received for examina- 

 tion. The cast of a stone pipe found near Piqua, fossils and minerals 

 for examination, a stone implement found in an ancient Indian camp 

 in Hardin County, aud four arrow-heads, were also received. 



Oregon. — Among the contributors sending material from Oregon was 

 Dr. J. C. Merrill, of the U. S. Army, who has rendered the Museum 

 much valuable assistance in sending from time to time various speci- 

 mens of natural history. From him this year come, among other 

 things, five shrews, three gophers, two mice, and a chipmunk. A 

 collection of fossils was received from Prof. T. Condon, and a collec- 

 tion of minerals from H. C. Durkee. W. B. Malleis sent skins of 

 grouse and pheasants. The California State Mining Bureau sent ten 

 specimens of priceite. A. W. Anthony sent a nest and five eggs of a 

 Jay (Perisoreus obscurus). Specimens of obsidian were also received. 



Pennsylvania. — A collection of plants numbering 269 specimens was 

 purchased from Dr. J. F. Brunner. The Baltimore Chrome Works sent 

 specimens of chrome ore. Bobert Hare Powel's Sons gave a large col- 

 lection of ores, minerals, etc., which had been exhibited in New Orleans 

 in 1884. "Lead buckles" were sent by Harrison Bros. & Co., and a 

 specimen of cassinite by Dr. Isaac Lea. Mr. Willard Nye, jr., gave 

 three specimens of Pileated woodpecker (Hylotomus pileatus). 



Rhode Island.— T>. T. Church sent specimens of fishes. 



South Carolina. — William Brewster sent a bird's nest and five eggs. 

 A Barn-owl was given by Major T. B, Ferguson. A carved powder-horn, 



