1871.] 225 [Annual Report. 



for their purpose and do not even exclude the dust, which 

 damages the collections. 



Many hundred specimens from various expeditions are 

 labelled simply with numbers, and where the Reports have 

 not been published, would require much work for their cor- 

 rect identification. This, however, should be done and the 

 assistance which is necessary should be obtained, since the 

 specimens are very valuable in themselves, but of no avail in 

 their present unnamed condition. An appropriation of 

 $150.00 would be desirable for this purpose. 



A nearly complete copy of "The Flore Cryptogamique de 

 la Belgique," has been presented by Mr. Andrews, of Boston, 

 A few Hawaiian plants have been added to the Herbarium. 



The Ingalls Collection of paintings now deposited with 

 the Society, may be, it is hoped, retained permanently as the 

 property of the Society, but at present the price asked by the 

 owner is beyond our means. 



PALAEONTOLOGY. 



The specimens which have been accumulating for years 

 past have been unpacked, partly identified, labelled and 

 placed in the cases. A preliminary review of the whole col- 

 lection has been completed, in order to determine the num- 

 ber and quality of the specimens, and the proper mode of 

 arrangement to be adopted. During this review, some very 

 valuable specimens which had been displaced were dis- 

 covered and restored to their proper places. The best man- 

 ner of mounting has also been considered and experiments 

 made. 



It is proposed to secure the specimens to wooden tablets 

 by wire fastenings. The colors to be a light grey for the 

 Silurian, a delicate, reddish brown for the Devonian, a shade 

 of yellow or buff for the Carboniferous, a lighter blue for the 

 Mesozoic, and a deeper shade of blue for the Tertiary and 

 Post Tertiary. 



PBOCEEDINGS B. S. N. H— VOL. XIV. 15 FEBBUABT, 1872. 



