Study Collections 83 



Dr. Dwight's collection of birds, which, like the Brewster- 

 Sanford Collection, is available for scientific research at the 

 Museum, is increased by frequent accessions, which during the 

 present year number 2,000 specimens, and is now, with a total 

 of 47,000 specimens, by far the largest and most scientifically 

 valuable collection of North American birds extant. 



The installation of the large number of metal storage cases 

 mentioned in last year's report has made it possible to re- 

 arrange the research collections of both mammals 



S tu <Jy . and birds through the additional storage facilities 

 Collections . f - ° . 



thus provided; but lack of storage space is still a 



crying need, particularly for the proper installation of the 

 osteological material, recently so greatly increased in amount 

 and value through the immense accessions from the Congo 

 Expedition. Storage space for the large mammal skins and 

 skeletons is wholly inadequate, either for their safety or acces- 

 sibility. 



Good progress has been made during the year in the reorgan- 

 ization of the collection of mammals, chiefly under the direction 

 of Assistant Anthony, and in the preparation of the larger 

 skins, skulls and skeletons, mainly under the general super- 

 vision of Mr. Lang, who reports that 1,290 skins have been 

 tanned and that 3,764 skulls and skeletons have been cleaned 

 and made ready for study. The work is progressing rapidly 

 and with satisfactory results, but will require several months 

 more for its completion. The cataloguing of the recent acces- 

 sions is well advanced, and the index catalogue is kept well 

 abreast of the serial catalogue entries and the identification of 

 the material. 



The three large mammal groups placed on exhibition during 

 the year are a Virginia Deer Group, an African Red Monkey 

 Group, and a Sou{h American Spider Monkey 

 Group. The Hall of Primates is being rearranged, 

 and important desiderata have been supplied toward the com- 

 pletion of the Synoptic Hall of Mammals. A Newfoundland 

 Dog, the gift of Mr. J. Alpin Graydon, has also been mounted 

 for exhibition. 



