36 



COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY. 



[Jan. 



It is also important, for the preservation of entomological collec- 

 tions, that a rigid inspection should be made of each box of speci- 

 mens, at least twice a 3'ear ; and I would therefore suggest that it 

 should be a permanent and stringent rule of the Entomological 

 Department, to have such an inspection regularly made, and its 

 results reported to the Director of the Museum. 



In addition to the recommendations above made, I would urge 

 strongl}^ the necessity of preserving, in type collections, all the 

 original labels of the author; these are sometimes removed for the 

 sake of producing uniformity of appearance, which, however pleas- 

 ing to the e3'e, occasionally gives rise to confusion. 



If these views be acceptable to you, please signify to me your 

 approval, and I will, without delay, send you an order upon the 

 executors of my estate, to deliver to 3'OU, or j'our successors in 

 office, my entomological collection. This order will be available, in 

 case of my death, if the collection is not sooner placed in the 

 Museum. 



I would mention, the boxes used b}^ me are very convenient for 

 constant stud}", and for permanent protection could be readily 

 placed, b}^ pairs, in tight glass-covered drawers, similar to those 

 now in use in the Museum. 



With my best wishes for the future extension and prosperity of 

 the Museum, I remain, as ever, 



Very Sincerely yours, 



JOHN L. LECONTE. 



Alexander Agassiz, Esq., Museum of Comparative Zoology , Cambridge, Mass. 



Philadelphia, May 13, 1875. 1 

 1625 Spruce Street. ) 



My Dear Sir : — I have directed m^^ executors, in a clause of my 

 will, to deliver to the Trustees of the Museum of Comparative 

 Zoology, at Cambridge, m}" entire collection of insects, with the 

 pieces of furniture in which the boxes are contained. 



I send you this note, in order that when the time comes for the 

 fulfilment of this bequest, you may designate, by proper indorse- 

 ment, or other separate note, the person authorized to receive and 

 transport to Cambridge, the collection, in such manner that it may 

 receive no damage. 



In regard to matters of general policy affecting the care and use 

 of t3"pical collections of such extremely perishable objects, I have 

 expressed my views in a previous communication, and I am glad to 



