34 



The exhibition cases first completed proving insufficient for 

 the proper display of the entensive collections of birds and 

 mammals, the Department built similar cases around the octa- 

 gons at the corners of the building, increasing the exhibition 

 space for such specimens in the second story nearly two-thirds, 

 and in the upper story one-third, and giving both halls a pleasing 

 effect of completeness. This work was finished on the first of 

 August, and since that time the large collections of birds and 

 mammals have been entirely re-arranged, and the specimens not 

 previously exhibited have been placed in their proper families. 

 The birds are divided into four principal groups, according to 

 their geographical distribution. On the second floor are the 

 birds of South America, and of Africa; on the third floor those 

 of North America, and of Europe, arranged according to the 

 system of Professor Lilljeborg, each family having a large 

 label containing its scientific and common name. The North 

 American birds have each a label with its scientific name, sex 

 and habitat, and its common name in large type ; and this system 

 of labelling, alike acceptable to the scientific and cursory observ- 

 er, will be extended as rapidly as possible throughout the collec- 

 tions on exhibition. 



The Curators have been greatly assisted in their work by the 

 kindness of the Superintendent, the Superintending Architect, 

 and other executive officers of the Department at the Arsenal. 



A letter endorsed by a large number of our leading citizens, 

 has been addressed to the Department, asking, in accordance 

 with our original agreement with the Park Commissioners, " that 

 Monday and Tuesday of each week.be reserved for the Commis- 

 sioners of Parks, the Trustees of the Museum, all persons 

 contributing or desiring to contribute money or specimens, those 

 wishing to examine the Museum specimens for the purpose of 

 special study, the teachers and pupils of public schools and the 

 inmates of charitable and benevolent institutions of the city, the 

 admission on those days to be by tickets issued by the Trustees, 

 in accordance with a plan to be approved by the Department," 

 in order that the Museum may be used for educational purposes 

 as well as to afford recreation for the public. These propositions, 

 which will combine both of these desirable objects, have been 

 agreed to by the Department, and a special notice to that effect 



