10 



ANNUAL KEPORT OF THE 



collection of mammal skins for purposes of scientific study and 

 comparison. It is true that we already have some material of 

 this kind, but it is too insignificant in quantity and too inferior 

 in quality to merit the title of a collection. Within the past 

 twenty years the methods of collecting, preserving, and studying 

 mammals have undergone a radical change, and in the eyes of 

 modern mammalogists a skin which is not accompanied by cer- 

 tain prescribed measurements taken from the freshly killed ani- 

 mal, as well as by its skull neatly cleansed and accurately 

 labelled, is of little practical value. We possess few such skins, 

 and if it be considered desirable to equip the Museum with a col- 

 lection adequate to the needs of those who wish to study mam- 

 mals scientifically, the matter should be taken in hand as speedily 

 as possible. 



Various skins of mammals and birds have been loaned for pur- 

 poses of study and for use as illustrations in lecture courses. 

 The Assistant has published the following articles and notes : — 

 In - The Auk : " — 



The Short-eared Owls of Muskeget Island. 

 The Spelling of Names. 



In the " Proceedings of the New England Zoological Club : " — 

 An undescribed Clapper Rail from Georgia and East Florida. 



In the " Boston Evening Transcript : " — 

 A letter relating to the House or English Sparrow question. 



