34 



dome of Somerset, Queensland ; Mrs. Charles Coxen, Bulimba, 

 Queensland ; Count Emil Kornis of Buda-Pesth, Hungar}^ ; 

 W. Legrand of Hobart Town, Tasmania ; and L. G. Yates of 

 Centre ville, Cal. 



The conchological work for the year ending Sept. 1, 1878, 

 has b^en unusually miscellaneous in character, as a consequence 

 of the changes that have been in progress throughout the 

 Museum. 



During the fall, the alcoholic moUusks were arranged in the 

 cases provided for them in the basement, by families and genera, 

 so far as the original lots have been divided up. From the 

 palseontological collections now stored in the attic, a large num- 

 ber of Palaeozoic and Mesozoic Mollusks were selected, to be 

 hereafter divided between the S3^stematic Collection and that 

 which will be formed to illustrate the various geological forma- 

 tions. This work was continued so long as it could be carried 

 on in rooms not furnished with heating apparatus. 



Since the beginning of winter, there have been accomplished : 



1. The systematic arrangement of the great mass of duplicate Land 

 and Fresh-water Shells. They are now for the first time readily accessi- 

 ble for use in exchange or study. 



2. An examination of some large but disorderly collections of mis- 

 cellaneous shells, followed by a proper distribution of the valuable material 

 and the rejection of the worthless. 



3. The overhauling of several foreign local collections of great value, 

 which had become mingled and confused, their separation according to 

 locality, and such arrangement as was essential for ready access. 



4. Final arrangement of the dry Mollusks of the Synoptic Collection, 

 and preparation of diagnoses of the larger molluscan groups. 



5. The naming of three collections of shells sent by educational insti- 

 tutions for determination. 



6. Care of collections of shells received in exchange ; and the selec- 

 tion and labelling of lots sent in return. 



7. Selection of specimens of shells for the North American Faunal 

 Collection. About two-thirds the number required have been made 

 ready, and have received preliminary arrangement in the exhibition cases. 



8. Provisional arrangement (pending the construction of new cases for 

 the Systematic Collection of Mollusca) of mounted Land Shells in the 

 glazed cases of the attic ; the overhauling of the large accumulations of 

 shells of Unionidai (duplicates), the rejection of the greater part, and the 

 storing of the rest in the attic cases. 



