1869.] 15 [Annual Report. 



main land, that the peculiar fauna of that region may be 

 more fairly represented. In consequence, none of the birds 

 obtained by Col. Grayson have yet been distributed, but a 

 fine collection from Costa Rica, identified by Mr. Lawrence, 

 and kindly presented to us by Professor Henry, is an earnest 

 of what we may expect from time to time ; indeed, our col- 

 lection of birds bids fair to exhibit in the course of a few 

 years a more complete representation of the fauna of North- 

 west Mexico and the adjacent islands, than can be found 

 outside of the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. 



We have also contributed toward an exploration of the 

 isthmus of Tehuantepec from ocean to ocean, carried on 

 through the patronage of the Smithsonian Institution by 

 Prof. Sumichrast, a most assiduous and scientific collector. 

 It will probably continue for one or two years, and a few re- 

 turns have already been received and distributed to various 

 parties for identification. The expedition promises to be very 

 successful. 



For several months we have been employing one of our 

 members, Mr. W. H. Dall, to select specimens from the 

 Smithsonian duplicates, partly in return for the contribution 

 we made toward their Explorations, partly as a direct gift 

 from the Institution. We have already received many fossils 

 and mollusks, and are daily expecting a large collection of the 

 nests and eggs of birds. 



By the favor of the Mayor and Chief of Police, two offi- 

 cers are detailed on museum days to protect our collections 

 and preserve order ; they render most efficient aid, without 

 which we think it would be impossible to maintain our prac- 

 tice of opening the museum twice a week. 



There have been more than 36,000 visitors to the Museum 

 during the year, but it has been impossible to keep an accu- 

 rate record ; the enumeration has often been a partial one 

 and at times estimates had to take the place of more careful 

 counting. The Museum has been open to the public 104 



