22 MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY. [May, 



The formation of a separate collection for students is an ob- 

 ject of the highest importance. The systematic collection I 

 consider to have the same value as a dictionary for anybody 

 intending to study a language. But while nobody would like 

 to read a dictionary, nobody could study without its help. The 

 arrangement of a scientific collection is the work of a long and 

 careful study, and represents in itself the result of many years' 

 investigation. Even if the Museum, for the sake of more rapid 

 progress, buys a scientific collection, or parts of it, the money 

 spent represents not only the specimens but also the time 

 bestowed upon their identification. Of course a collection rep- 

 resenting such a mass of work, and beside this so easily damaged, 

 CDuld not be intrusted to any one not accustomed to handle 

 such valuable objects. The necessary experience must first be 

 acquired by work and study. Besides this the large amount of 

 nearly related forms would not be adapted for elementary study. 

 A student wishing to study the Coleoptera, for instance, would 

 be confused by more than 10,000 species all belonging to the 

 same family. He must first examine a special select collection, 

 a real student's collection, fitted precisely for the purpose of ele- 

 mentary study, and containing the most striking forms of all 

 classes taken chiefly from the country about him, perhaps with 

 the addition of some important forms not represented in the 

 native fauna. It would be very easy to form a most complete 

 and excellent collection of this kind, if the students using them 

 would assist in the enlargement of the collection. Such cooper- 

 ation would be an admirable training for the student himself, 

 and would at the same time enhance the value of the collections. 



As it was announced in the foregoing report, a complete set 

 of instruments for microscopical purposes, and for an intended 

 course on this matter was imported by the curator from Europe. 

 As, in the meantime, another gentleman was engaged to open 

 such a course, the curator would not interfere with his work, 

 and has postponed his own course for a later time. But even 

 now, newly ordered simple microscopes of a new pattern and 

 superior quality, not known here before, will be on hand in the 

 room of the entomological department for any one intending to 

 work in the Museum. 



The purchase of Mr. J. Boll's collection of Texan insects is 

 in every way an important addition to the Museum. It was 



