1877.] 



SENATE — No. 5. 



L9 



identified and carefully packed in cans with alcohol, the time 

 and expense necessary for this undertaking will be readily 

 understood. By this distribution, seven educational, institu- 

 tions in the State received valuable named specimens ready 

 for placing in jars in their respective museums. The rest of 

 the lots were distributed to nine institutions or individuals in 

 the United States and Canada, and thirty in the Old World. 



The specimens of Scomberesoces sent to Prof. Liitken of 

 Copenhagen, in January, 1875, have recently been returned 

 with his identifications. 



The few additions duriug the year consist of the following 

 lots in alcohol : — 



From the Rev. R. W. Wood, a collection from the Marshall 

 Islands, made by the Rev. B. G. Snow. 



From the Department of Engineers, U. S. Army, through the 

 Smithsonian Institution, a series of the type specimens described 

 by Messrs. Cope and Yarrow in the Zoological Report of the U. S. 

 Geographical and Geological Surveys, west of the one hundredth 

 meridian, under charge of Lt. G. M. Wheeler, U. S. Engineers. 



From Mr. Charles Sarkad}', seven species from Napo and Marafion. 



From the Boston Society of Natural History, the bulk of the col- 

 lection which I made at Lake Erie in 1865. 



From Mr. T. G. Cary, one specimen from Cape Cod. 



From Mr. J. H. Blake, a small collection from Provincetown, 

 Mass. 



From Alexander Agassiz, a collection of yonng fishes from New- 

 port, R. I. 



From Mr. Charles Bryant, several species from Onalaska. 

 From the Rev. M. M. Carleton, a few specimens from Eastern 

 India. 



In relation to the last two lots, it is to be regretted that only 

 a few specimens could be saved from each, and I take this 

 opportunity to call attention to the great care that should be 

 given to the proper preservation of specimens intended for the 

 Museum. It is not only necessary to enclose the specimens 

 in tight bottles, cans or kegs, but care should be taken to 

 change the spirits in which they were first placed for strong 

 alcohol before starting the packages on their journey, and 

 above all not to crowd the specimens. By packing cotton 

 rags, hay, moss or shavings between the specimens, crowding 



