Annual Report.] 340 [May 3, 



will be able to complete this portion of our Museum during 

 the coming year. 



Our collection of Mammalia may be said to have been 

 begun by the presentation of a fine Polar Bear by Bishop 

 Williams, the skin of the famous greyhound " Brownie," by 

 Mr. Addison Child, and a specimen of the celebrated breed 

 of Ancon sheep by Mr. Geo. W. Bond. 



Considerable assistance has been received during the year 

 from the voluntary labors of Mr. Edward G. Gardiner, whose 

 services have enabled us to carry on some advantageous ex- 

 changes and attend to a number of details which must other- 

 wise have been neglected. 



The Ornithological Collection remains in its usual good 

 but dormant condition. 



IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BUILDING. 



During the year one more room has been fitted up with 

 the improved cases and brackets for the reception of the 

 New England fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals. The 

 building has been improved by the introduction of a larger 

 service pipe, winch now gives an ample supply of water, 

 and every workroom is fitted with screw faucets. One large 

 faucet with hose attached is always ready in the cellar, 

 in case of fire, and three other sets of hose are distributed 

 about the building for use, in case of necessity, in the work- 

 rooms. On the roof there are two more faucets, one on 

 either wing, to which hose can be attached in case it is re- 

 quired in that quarter. Besides these precautions, buckets 

 of water are kept in each workroom, accompanied by a 

 Johnston pump, and three of the patent gas machines stand 

 ready for use at three different points of the building. By 

 these precautions three different means of extinguishing fire 

 are placed within reach of any one who may first perceive it. 



LABORATORY. 



The condition of the Laboratory, in which the Institute 

 of Technology and the Society are mutually interested, con- 



