series of topotypes, i.e., additional specimens from the type locality, because 

 of their importance in .determining the validity and relationships of species 

 and subspecies. He also, among other studies, conducted special research on 

 the brown and grizzly pears, and for this investigation 1,864 specimens wore 

 gathered together. In 1918 the results of the study wore published (Review 

 of the Grizzly and Big Brown Bears of North .America (Genus Ursus ) , North 

 Aner. Fauna No. 41). In this work Dr. Merriam described 22 new forms, which 

 with the 59 he had previously named from the collection brought the total to 

 81. This study of material in the collection is representative of many others 

 made by various scientists. 



Dr. Merriam, who was interested in many generic groups, described 651 of 

 the type specimens nor/ in the collection, and Edward A. Goldman described 266. 

 Other members of the Bureau' s staff past or present who have described several 

 new forms include Vernon Bailey, A. K. Howell, H. H. T. Jackson, E. W. Nelson, 

 W. H. Osgood, and E. A. Preble. 



Che mammal specimens collected for the Biological Survey by the Death ^al- 

 ley Expedition in 1891 numbered about 5,000 and comprised the largest contri- 

 bution from a single expedition. E. Y! . Nelson and E. A.' Goldman collected 

 more than 17,000 mammals in Mexico over a period of years, thus making the larg- 

 est contribution of any collector or team of collectors. 



The early report? of the Chief of the Division of Ornithology and Mammalogy 

 record the progress of the organisation. In 1890 it was stated: "The collection 

 begun- by the Division a little more than a year and. a half ago has made gratify- 

 ing progress, now numbering upwards of 4,000 specimens of mammals." In the an- 

 nual report of 1891 the Chief stated: "The study scries of mammals and birds 

 belonging to the Division has been so largely increased during the year that the 

 entire time of one clerk is necessary for the proper care of the collection." 

 During succeeding years the mammal collection steadily grew until on January 1, 

 1940 it numbered 136,613 specimens, consisting of skins, skulls, and skeletons. 



The small mammals are made up into standard study skins and are arranged 

 in pasteboard trays in drawers in metal-covered ca.ses (fig. \£) » while the larger 

 skins are tanned and hung in a specially constructed room, where they are sus- 

 pended from Iron rods by loops of cords passed through the skin above the nose 

 and attached to a rod with an S-hook (fig. 1,B). The skulls are placed in. """ills, 

 cardboard boxes, or cardboard trays, according to size, and are arranged in 

 proper order. Details of technique and methods in the care of the Bureau collec- 

 tion have been described in a paper entitled, "The Care of Museum Specimens of 

 Recent Mammals," by Hartley H. T. Jackson (Jour. Mamm. 7: 113-118, illus. 1926). ; 



^Then the Biological Survey was asked to undertake the control of predatory 

 animals in 1916, a special, effort was made to utilize to best advantage the mam- 

 mals killed, and large numbers of specimens taken by hunters were deposited in 

 the collection. As a result, the Survey .collection now contains specimens <$t* 

 985 wolves, 3,523 coyotes, and 540 mountain lions, the largest stud;/ series ?■$ 

 these North American proda.tors in the world. The mountain lions are being re- 

 vised by E. A. Goldman, who has described 6 new forms from this collection, Tho 



