16 



and very striking forms of the Bears of the Rocky Mountain 

 region and the Northwest Coast. Also a number of Wolves, 

 Foxes and Wild Cats, and many of the northern fur-bearing 

 animals, including the expensive and nearly extinct Sea-Otter. 

 Some of these species should be shown in groups, to provide 

 which requires good series of specimens, and accessories made 

 from materials and studies that can be properly provided only by 

 sending an expert taxidermist to the home of the species it is 

 desired to illustrate. There is thus here an opportunity for 

 friends of the Museum, especially interested in the larger game 

 animals of this continent, to aid the Museum in securing the 

 specimens necessary to properly complete its exhibition collection 

 of North American mammals. 



The specimens and accessories for a Virginia Deer Group are 

 ready, and will be installed as soon as provision is made for a 

 suitable case for its reception. The only addition to the exhibit 

 of birds is the case of four groups, with accessories, illustrating 

 changes of plumage with season and age. This is the first of a 

 series of groups designed to illustrate special features in the life 

 histories of birds and mammals. 



Attention is directed to the following noteworthy donations : 

 (i) The Clarence A. Smith Collection of birds, 700 in number, 

 presented by Mr. Albert Smith. (2) The Alfred Marshall Collec- 

 tion of Long Island birds and birds' nests, 600 in number, pre- 

 sented by the Linnaean Society of this city. (3) A collection of 

 bird skins, from Alaska, presented by Lieut. George T. Emmons, 

 U.S.N. (4) A valuable collection of Bats, from Jamaica, pre- 

 sented by Mr. Francis C. Nicholas. (5) A collection of bird 

 skins, from Venezuela, presented by Mr. W. H. Phelps. (6) A 

 number of large mammals received in the flesh, from Mr. James 

 A. Bailey. 



We are also again indebted to the Department of Public Parks 

 for many mammals and birds received in the flesh from the 

 Central Park Menagerie. 



Department of Vertebrate Palaeontology. — This de- 

 partment has been administered by its Curator, Prof. Henry F. 

 Osborn, assisted by Drs. J. L. Wortman and W. D. Matthew. 



