242 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1890. 



By purchase, many fine specimens have been added to the collection. 

 From J. W. Beath, 36 cut stones were obtained for the gem series; 

 from W. B. Smith, nearly 100 specimens of choice Colorado minerals ; 

 and 51 miscellaneous specimens were bought from G. L. English and 

 Company. Through Dr. Hillebrand, a series of scarlet vanadinite from 

 the Silver District, Arizona, was purchased of a local miner, forming the 

 most superb series of that species in existence. Satisfactory exchanges 

 have also been effected with the British Museum, the Museum at Stock- 

 holm, Mr. Ira B. Allen, Mr. C. W. Kesler of Statesville, North Caro- 

 lina, Mr. George Vaux, jr. of Philadelphia, and others. 



The collection of meteorites has been increased by ten falls. Prof. B. 

 T. Hill, of Austin, Texas, gave a large piece of a new stone from Travis 

 County, Texas. Mr. S. W. Cramer, of Charlotte, North Carolina, gave 

 a specimen of a new iron from Elleuborough, North Carolina; and from 

 Ward & Howell were received good specimens of irons from Hamilton 

 County, Texas, and Puquios, Chili. Six falls were acquired by ex- 

 change with the British Museum and the Museum of Natural History 

 in Paris. 



Several papers relating to the work of the department have been pub- 

 lished during the year. Notices of them will be found in the Bibliogra- 

 phy* 



In all, during the year 1213 specimens were added to the reserve col- 

 lection, and 8198 to the duplicate series; 3215 duplicates were distrib- 

 uted. Last catalogue number in June, 1889, 48468; last catalogue 

 number in June, 1890, 49056. 



