BUFFALO SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCES 89 



of the North American flora. It comprises a good collection of lichens 

 and economic fungi, and of sections of our native woods. 



Geology. Minerals, 5000, partly in storage; Rocks, 2000; Thin 

 sections of rocks, iooo±; Dynamic geology, relief maps, models, etc., 

 ioo±; Economic geology, 1000 +. The collection of rocks includes, 

 in addition to a general series from all parts of the world, a very exten- 

 sive collection of granites, porphyrites, and basic dike rocks from the 

 Missouri crystallines. The economic collection is especially rich in 

 ores, including a very complete series of lead and zinc ores and asso- 

 ciated minerals from the Galena- Joplin district. 



Paleontology. About 10,000 specimens, including extensive 

 collections of American cretaceous and other fossil vertebrates. The 

 invertebrates include about 2000 species, representing all the principal 

 geological formations, but especially rich in Kansas forms. Special 

 mention may be made of the series of fossil birds, which is said to in- 

 clude some of the best specimens known; of a collection of pterodactyls 

 and plesiosaurs, seldom equalled; of a nearly complete representation 

 of cretaceous fishes; and of the series of turtles, including a number of 

 type specimens described by Dr. Williston. There are 13 large mounts, 

 and a series of casts showing the evolution of the horse. In paleo- 

 botany, the Dakota and Comanche cretaceous series are best repre- 

 sented and include many undescribed forms. In addition to the collec- 

 tion of tertiary plants, there is a very large and valuable series of 

 carboniferous plants from Kansas, including many not yet known to 

 science. 



Zoology. The general collection includes : Shells, 1000 species 

 from all parts of the world; Alcoholic invertebrates, 500; Birds, 1503 

 mounted specimens, chiefly from Kansas, and 3453 skins; Mammals, 

 2 50 large mounted specimens, 1 1 2 5 skins, and 8 heads ; North American 

 bird eggs, 3572; Skeletons, 1341 mammals, 38 birds, and 7 reptiles. 

 This is said to be one of the most complete collections in the world. 

 Nearly 1000 square feet of floor space is given to a panorama exhibit, 

 500 feet long, of the larger North American mammals mounted in 

 natural surroundings. 



In addition to the general collection enumerated above, there is an 

 entomological series of 275,000 specimens, representing 25,000 species 

 of all orders and including 1000 types. There are also extensive bio- 

 nomic collections. The collections in this department are said to be 

 among the largest connected with any educational institution in the 

 United States. Annual collecting expeditions and a regular system of 

 exchange are steadily increasing the size of these collections. 



