IT 

 TAXIDERMIC DEPARTMENT. 



[Under the charge of Jenness Richardson.] 



Since the removal of this department from the small room in the 

 attic to the large work rooms in the building provided by the Trus- 

 tees, all of the accumulated specimens to be repaired and placed 

 on new pedestals has been disposed of and new material is now 

 beginning to be reached. 



Of the Mammals in the flesh that are constantly arriving we find 

 about one-fourth desirable for exhibition purposes and study. All 

 specimens that are sent to us in the flesh are put to some use, 

 either as skeletons, exhibition specimens or for study. The number 

 of Mammal skins now in antiseptic solution reaches over three 

 hundred ; of this number fifty-six are not in our present mounted 

 collection, and space should be provided for their exhibition, as 

 well as skillful hands to mount them. 



The Buffalo bones collected on the Montana expedition have 

 all been carefully assorted and made available for study. 



The number of birds mounted for the general collection has 

 been six ; number of bird skins made, one hundred and twenty-two. 

 But one Mammal has been mounted — the Central Park Chimpanzee 

 (Crowley), presented through the kindness of Dr. W. A. Conklin. 

 The number of Mammal skins made has been twenty-three. 



Much time has been devoted to the preparation of Bird and 

 Mammal Groups. Twenty-five studies were made and material 

 collected to complete the work. Of this number seventeen have 

 been completed and placed on exhibition ; there still remain seven 

 on which work is progressing rapidly, as follows : Woodchuck, 

 Muskrat, Raccoon, Opossum, Loon, or Great Northern Diver, 

 Ruffed Grouse, and Labrador Duck. 



Most of the skins for a Buffalo Group have been collected, but no 

 studies have yet been made or accessories collected. 



The collecting of Moose in Maine for thirty days was a success. 

 Two bull Moose, two Caribou, and a number of birds and small 

 Mammals were secured. Careful studies were made while in the 

 Moose country for the contemplated Group, but no accessories 

 taken. 



LIBRARY. 



[Under the charge of Mr. A. Woodward.] 



The additions to the Library this year are principally by dona- 

 tions and exchanges. The books and pamphlets received have 

 amounted to: volumes, 832 ; numbers and parts, 949; pamphlets, 

 297. 



