16 



Work on the group collection has taken the greater part of the 

 time of Mr. Richardson and his assistant. The preparation of 

 many specimens received in the flesh (mostly from the Central 

 Park Menagerie, through Mr. W. A. Conklin, including 22 mam- 

 mals and 20 large birds) has also required considerable time, 

 which, with Mr. Richardson's two months' absence with the 

 Museum Expedition, has prevented much progress in mounting 

 the rapidly accumulating material. As already stated, about 300 

 birds have been remounted, and 73 mounted from fresh specimens, 

 the greater part of the latter being for the groups. Nineteen bird 

 groups and two mammal groups are well under way, and will be 

 finished in time for exhibition at the Annual Reception. 



In Maya Bulletin (Vol. II., No. 1) was issued for this depart- 

 ment, consisting of 39 pages of text and six plates. It contained 

 two papers, entitled as follows : I. The West Indian Seal (Mon- 

 achus tropicalis Gray). II. Note on Squalodont Remains from 

 Charleston, S. C. 



DEPARTMENTS OF INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY, 

 FISHES AND REPTILES. 



[Under the charge of Dr. J. B. Holder.] 



One of the most valuable acquisitions for the Department of 

 Invertebrate Zoology is the series of marine invertebrates received 

 last year, and now examined and distributed in suitable glass 

 jars. Each species has been named, and suitable labels attached, 

 on which is placed the "Museum number," referring to the 

 permanent catalogue of the department, and also a " Collection 

 Guide." The latter is added, in lieu of a printed guide, for the 

 ready use of students and others desirous to consult specimens 

 for identification or otherwise. 



These marine invertebrates consist of echinoderms, actinarians 

 and other low forms, and crustaceans. 



Notwithstanding the smallness of these creatures, the collection 

 is of great significance. Many of the species are new to science. 

 All have been dredged from our North Atlantic coast, at depths 

 ranging from a few fathoms to several miles. Here are numbers 

 of sea creatures for the first time seen, and in several groups 

 species are multiplied surprisingly. 



As no other opportunity is offered here for the inspection or 

 study of these rare forms, the Curator has endeavored to present 

 every convenience for the purpose. The entire history of each 

 species, with proper nomenclature, is entered in the " guide " of 

 the department, for the use of students, and it is gratifying to 

 know that many constantly avail themselves of the privilege. 



Many of the forms which were dredged off our coast have sur- 



