MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



7 



whereas no more satisfactory place could be found for some of these, 

 the too frequent occupancy for meetings is possible, and prohibits its 

 designed use as a reference library, which use is also increasing. 



Before another year it is hoped a larger room may be had exclu- 

 sively for such meetings — a room where study collections, chairs, and 

 tables can be assembled and left from session to session. A lantern 

 permanently placed and ready for use will be of great assistance in 

 carrying on the educational work, which is surely developing satis- 

 factorily. 



Publications. 



For ten years there have been recorded on the bulletin board 

 dates of observed bird arrivals within 10 miles of Springfield during 

 the spring migration. This spring the museum has issued a hand- 

 book, "Birds of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Vicinity," in which 

 is given an average date of arrival made from this 10-years' record. 

 In this publication are listed winter birds or permanent residents as 

 well as migrants. In all there are 150 species and of each some 

 characteristic mark, motion, or note is given; the average date fol- 

 lows; then the breeding place, frequency, and size is noted; and blank 

 columns for new records complete the page. 



This publication has found a place in connection with the public 

 school work and has proved popular generally, and it is hoped thus 

 to stimulate a greater interest in birds and so promote a better 

 understanding of their value to mankind through agriculture. 



Material for two more bulletins is in preparation and it is expected 

 that these may be issued during the coming year. 



Cataloguing. 



Dr. George Dimmock, who has since the beginning of the museum 

 given to it service of the highest order, is now devoting his time 

 exclusively to original scientific research. Consequently there has 

 been a pause in the cataloguing of collections, which he planned and 

 carried on so efficiently for several years. This work of recording 

 is of prime importance in such an institution, and it is desirable 

 that opportunity be found for its proper continuation. 



Accessions. 



In the larger museums to-day vast amounts are expended in 

 sending out collecting expeditions. One great advantage of these is 



