32 Report of the President 



America, while since then the number of known species has 

 quadrupled. At the same time it is appalling to think of the 

 many species that have been brought to the verge of ex- 

 tinction, and that within our lifetime the bison has been all 

 but exterminated and the passenger pigeon blotted out of 

 existence, in spite of the fact that one was probably the most 

 abundant mammal and the other the most abundant bird in 

 the world. 



The care of the collections of all kinds calls for large num- 

 bers of storage cases, drawers, cans, shelving and jars, to 

 preserve specimens and make them available for study and 

 exhibition. 



Field Work, Exploration. — Realizing the rapidity with 

 which not only animals, but races of mankind with their beliefs 

 and customs, are being swept out of existence by what we are 

 pleased to call the march of civilization, special effort has been 

 made of late years to gather objects and information while they 

 are yet to be had. This has resulted in the accumulation of 

 much material which must be cared for. At the same time the 

 growing appreciation of the educational value of museums, 

 through their exhibits, has called for increasing attention to 

 their preparation and labeling. Thus the work of museums 

 has increased in all directions, and much more rapidly than 

 the funds for their support. 



The year has been noteworthy for the amount of field 

 work accomplished, forty-four parties having been sent out 

 directly by the Museum, while at seven localities work has 

 been carried on for the Museum by local collectors or agents. 

 Mr. Akeley, on account of ill health, returned from Africa, but 

 hopes to go back once more, for, while he secured material 

 for a fine group of elephants, he did not, as he wished, obtain 

 one of the few remaining old tuskers. It is Mr. Akeley's 

 belief that within five years not a single first-class bull elephant 

 will be left in Africa. The Congo Expedition is still in the field, 

 and, at last accounts, has secured some 8,000 specimens of 

 various kinds, including the Okapi and White Rhinoceros. 



Publications. — Through the energy of Miss Dickerson and 

 Mr. Sherwood, a new and much needed General Guide was 



