92 



The work of preparing specimens was considerably retarded by the 

 absence of the chief taxidermist, who, as already stated, spent about 

 three months in collecting specimens of Bison in Montana. As an offset, 

 however, the exhibition hall will soon be graced by a very fine group 

 of Bison. 



Nearly all the larger mounted specimens were cleaned and repaired 

 while the wall cases were being painted, and they are, therefore, in ex- 

 cellent condition. It is confidently hoped that when the new cases are 

 completed the hall will present a much more attractive appearance than 

 ever before. 



The laboratory and office of the department were moved to a section 

 of the Museum building in which the accumulation of dust, complained 

 of in the last report, is less troublesome. The office now adjoins the 

 exhibition hall, a matter of great convenience. 



The laboratory had previously been fitted with racks, and the drawers 

 containing the "study" series of skins were, therefore, simply trans- 

 ferred from the old racks to the new ones. The alcoholic series was 

 temporarily placed in the south gate-way, where they have remained 

 during the year. The erection of shelves in this space for the accommo- 

 dation of the alcoholic series is contemplated, since it is very desirable 

 that this series should be separated from the collection of skins. 



The card catalogue has not yet been copied, but the first draft has 

 been brought up to date. All specimens received during the year have 

 been entered in the registers upon receipt and assigned to their proper 

 places. 



The rather large labels attached to the Eodents and other small species 

 have been replaced by a smaller form, which renders the specimens less 

 liable to injury when handled. The metal tags have also been discarded 

 in the case of the smallest species, since they tend to endanger the in- 

 tegrity of the specimens by their weight. 



The curator has had the assistance of a clerk and a copyist during 

 the greater part of the year. He has been relieved of the care of the 

 library. 



The curator has spent the greater part of the time available for study 

 during the year in completing the review of the species of the family 

 Delphinidw. The papers of Mr. McKay's Alaskan collection, on the 

 Canada Lynx, on a new Mole from Japan, and on the genus Dipodomys, 

 referred to in the report of last year, have been published. 



Mr. Nelson's report on his Alaskan collection was ordered printed by 

 act of Congress, and the proof of the portion of the same referring to 

 the Mammals has passed through the curator's hands. The small col- 

 lection of Mammals forwarded to Washington by the Geographical and 

 Exploring Commission of Mexico was identified by request of Mr. 

 Ferrari-Perez, chief of the natural history section. 



The curator described, under the name Vespertilio longicrus, a new 

 Bat received from Puget Sound. He also published a few notes on the 



