4 MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZO-OLOGY. [Jan. 



The first number of the illustated catalogue of the Museum, 

 printed from the funds given for the purpose by the Common- 

 wealth, has been issued. For the letter press of this volume 

 the Museum is indebted to Mr. Theodore Lyman. 



The operations of the Museum, under the charge of Mr. 

 Alexander Agassiz, during the absence of the Director, have 

 been conducted to the entire satisfaction of the Trustees ; and 

 his report, which is annexed, marked [A,] gives a statement 

 in detail of its history for the year ending October 1st, 1865. 



In regard to the second division, the expedition to Brazil, we 

 shall receive full accounts, illustrated by his own enthusiasm, 

 from Professor Agassiz, on his return, which is looked for in 

 the coming summer. The Trustees however, think that it will 

 be interesting to the legislature of the Commonwealth, which 

 is so watchful of everything which promotes and develops the 

 advancement of learning, and the progress of science, to receive 

 some account of the expedition. For the large results which 

 are promised, the community will recognize its obligations to 

 the munificence of Mr. Nathaniel Thayer. 



Before the departure of Professor Agassiz the Secretary of 

 the Navy instructed our national vessels to take charge of and 

 bring home, on their return, any collections committed to them 

 as fruits of the expedition. 



The party embarked at New York on board the Colorado, on 

 the second day of April last for Rio de Janeiro. It consisted 

 of sixteen persons, eight of whom were trained naturalists. A 

 free passage to Rio was given by the Pacific Mail Steam-ship 

 Company to the whole party. The Colorado was furnished by 

 the owners with a large aquarium on deck, and all other 

 appliances requisite for scientific investigations on the voyage. 



On the twenty-second day of April the Colorado entered the 

 bay of Rio, and Professor Agassiz, who had previously enjoyed 

 a correspondence with the Emperor of Brazil, was received 

 by him in the kindest manner. His majesty has continued to 

 show great interest, and furnish great aid in every way. Free 

 transportation has been provided by the railroads and other 

 conveyances ; and the facilities of communication by coaches, 

 travelling at the rate of ten miles an hour, and rail cars at a 

 speed of twenty to thirty miles an hour, are in striking contrast 



