Mr. S. C. H. Bailey of his collection of minerals, num- 

 bering 7,000 cabinet specimens, and many duplicates 

 suitable for exchange. 



A small but choice series of preparations, illustra- 

 ting the habits and development of various European 

 insects, has been purchased, and is on exhibition on 

 the walls of the middle hall. Over the windows 

 have been placed a part of the specimens received in 

 previous donations. Two more cases of finely mount- 

 ed birds and rare mammals have been received from 

 Madame Verreaux, completing the purchase begun 

 three years ago. 



On the 2d of June, the Corner Stone of the New 

 Building was laid, in that part of Central Park west 

 of Eighth Avenue. In view of the widely-extended 

 interest manifested in the occasion, and of its impor- 

 tance as a public movement in the cause of science 

 and scientific education ? the Trustees extended an 

 invitation to all who felt interested, to be present, and 

 especially invited their Excellencies, the President of 

 the United States and the Governor of the State of 

 New York, His Honor the Mayor of the City, and 

 Professor Joseph Henry, Secretary of the Smithsonian 

 Institution, to assist in the ceremonies. These invi- 

 tations were accepted with emphatic expressions of 

 sympathy with the objects of the Museum. 



General Grant, accompanied by the Secretary of 

 State, the Secretary of War, and the Secretary of the 

 Navy was present, and by laying the corner stone 

 signified the national importance of the undertaking, 

 and General Dix's remarks also attested the favor 

 with which the establishment and rapid growth of 

 the Museum is regarded by the people of the State. 



