NOTES. 319 
sand mammals, ten thousand birds, and two thousand fishes and 
reptiles. There are also nearly four hundred mounted skeletons 
of the various orders. The insects number more than ten thou- 
sand, and shells about that number. Also a few geological 
specimens of no great value. There are no mineral collections as 
yet. The insects were presented by Baron Osten Sacken, R. A. 
Witthaus, and Coleman T. Robinson. The shells are the gift of 
Albert S. Bickmore and William A. Haines. The remainder 
of the collections was obtained by purchase in this country and 
Europe. The Department of Public Parks, under the authority 
granted by the last Legislature, will commence in the autumn the 
erection of a permanent building in Manhattan Square, for this 
collection. The cost of the new building will not exceed five 
hundred thousand dollars.— American Chemist. 
Prof. Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution, who was last spring 
‘appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate as United 
States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, will visit the coast of 
New England during the coming summer, making his head quarters 
at Wood’s Hole. The act of Congress under which the Commis- 
sioner is appointed makes it his duty to prosecute investigations- 
with a view of ascertaining whether any and what diminùtion in 
the number of valuable fishes has taken place, and if so, to what 
causes the same is due. He is also to report to Congress whether 
any and what protective prohibitory or precautionary measures 
should be adopted in the premises. 
We understand that Prof. Baird will dredge extensively both at 
the surface and at the bottom, and the investigations will be of 
great interest to naturalists, several of whom will join him in his 
explorations. 
The Providence Franklin Society celebrated its semi-centennial 
anniversary on May 9th. This society has been more active in the 
past than of late years, but seems now to show unusual activity. 
Several scientists of eminence have been active members, and we 
trust a new life and energy will be infused into its present work- 
ing staff. 
Silk worm eggs from Japan, to the amount of one hundred and 
thirty-five thousand cards, costing in that country six hundred 
and seventy-five thousand dollars, lately arrived in San Francisco. 
— American Chemist. 
