42 Report of the President 



explorations and the collection, study and exhibition of 

 invertebrates, consequently have been formulated on the basis 

 of a fuller acquaintance with scientific institutions and scien- 

 tific men in Europe and America, with museum methods, and 

 with the problems and methods of field exploration. 



Invertebrates in General. — The synoptic series in the 

 Darwin Hall has been amplified by a series of nine models and 

 twenty-five alcoholic specimens. The policy of installing 

 biological exhibits like the Cold Spring Harbor Group has been 

 continued and two striking groups are now approaching com- 

 pletion. One of these presents an association of annelid worms 

 as they occur on the shore of Devil's Foot Island, Woods Hole, 

 Massachusetts. The second gives a typical association of 

 submarine animals occurring on the piles of a wharf. Additional 

 groups of a similar nature are projected. The value of such 

 exhibits is realized in their presentation of the biological con- 

 ditions under which typical invertebrates exist. Of a still more 

 general nature are projected exhibits designed to illustrate 

 variation, heredity, distribution and similar phenomena of 

 evolution. 



During the year the study collections of invertebrates have 

 been thoroughly overhauled, reclassified and permanently 

 installed in fireproof cases, the work being completed in the case 

 of six phyla. The remaining groups will be similarly treated 

 during the coming year. The study collections have been 

 increased by numerous gifts as well as by the work of the 

 Museum's collectors. Mr. Miner secured a wide series of 

 invertebrates from the coasts of Massachusetts and Maine. 

 Professor Treadwell obtained a valuable collection of annulates 

 from Dry Tortugas, Florida. Dr. Hussakof and Mr. Franklin 

 collected myriapods, spiders, ants and other forms in the 

 course of their work in Mississippi for the Department of 

 Ichthyology. Dr. Lutz also obtained various invertebrates 

 during his entomological work. The collections of echino- 

 derms, crustaceans and other marine types made by Dr. 

 Crampton in the South Seas have also been incorporated in 

 the study series. 



Mr. Miner, assisted by several members of the preparation 



