9 



this amount is not noted in the current receipts and payments, 

 inasmuch as the Treasurer very kindly drew his check to the City 

 Comptroller, and immediately received a refund of the amount. 

 I am much gratified with their kind courtesy, in view of the fact 

 that no obligation existed on the part of the executors. 



Notwithstanding the constant interruptions and annoyances 

 suffered by our official staff, the work in the several departments 

 has been carried on without any very material delay. A synopsis 

 of the work of the different divisions, summarized from the 

 reports of the Curators and Chiefs of Departments, furnishes 

 interesting data. 



A most notable accession has been made to the Department of 

 Minerals. It has been increased by the magnificent collection 

 of cut and uncut gem material widely known as the " Tiffany 

 Collection of Gems, etc.," which was a special attraction dur- 

 ing the late exhibition held in Paris. We are indebted to Mr. 

 J. Pierpont Morgan for this splendid gift. As a special collec- 

 tion of such objects, it is conceded to be without a rival ; it will 

 add greatly to the attractions of the Museum. An appropriate 

 case is being constructed in which to exhibit it in the new hall 

 connected with the Geological Department. 



The entire accumulation of land shells, containing about 2300 

 species, comprising the collection of Mr. John J. Crooke, of this 

 city, was presented to the Museum during the early portion of 

 the year. This donation will increase the species of the Jay 

 Collection by about fifty-seven per cent., making a most valuable 

 acquisition to the Conchological Collection. 



Of mammals, the additions acquired by donation, purchase and 

 exchange show a total of 490. The Bird Collection has been 

 increased from similar sources to the extent of 1570 specimens. 

 The most important gift was received from Mr. W. E. D. Scott, 

 and consists of nearly six hundred mammals and birds from 

 Florida. Among the additions to the Exhibition Series are two 

 fine adult skeletons of the Florida Manatee, several groups of 

 Water Birds, and a large number of birds mounted at the Museum. 



The Mammal Collection was removed from the lower hall dur- 

 ing the summer and stored in the alcoves of the bird hall to await 

 its transfer to the new wing. The accretion of material in this 



