INTKODUCTORY COLLECTION. 
31 
class are shown. Sections of bones exhibit the large air cavities 
within ; a complete skeleton of an Eagle, with the bones sepa- 
rated and named, and mounted skeletons of the Ostrich, Penguin, 
Pelican, Vulture, Fowl, &c., show the chief modifications of the 
skeleton. The Apteryx shows the smallest, and the Prigate 
bird the largest bones of the wing, the correspondence of which 
can be readily traced by means of the labels attached to them. 
The under surfaces of the skulls of various birds are shown 
with the different bones coloured to indicate their limits and 
relations, followed by a series of the different types of sternum 
or breast-bone. 
The second wall-case contains further illustrations of the 
anatomy of birds, including a series arranged to show the general 
characters of the eggs of this class, as exemplified in their struc- 
ture, number, form, size, texture of surface and colour. 
The table-case in the middle of the bay contains illustra- 
tions of the external characters, the beak, the feathers and the 
tail, as well as of the fore and hind limbs, or wings and feet. 
By the aid of the explanatory labels, the essential characters 
and the principal modifications of all these parts can easily 
be followed out by any one wishing to become acquainted with 
them. 
Bays IV. and V., completing the west side of the hall, will, Contents of 
in a similar manner, show the most important points in the j^J^g^^ 
structure of reptiles, amphibia and fishes. In the latter is a completed, 
very fine skeleton of the Great Blue Shark {Carcharodon 
rondeletii) from i^'ew Zealand, with the names of all the parts 
affixed to them. 
Of the bays on the east side of the hall, No. VI. is for the 
illustrations of the articulated classes, Crustacea, Arachnida, 
Myriopoda and Insecta, as well as of the Annulosa and Vermes. 
The table case contains an extensive series of preparations 
showing the structure of insects. No. VII. is for the Mollusca, 
Echinodermata, Ccelenterata, Porifera and Protozoa. In this 
bay the arrangement of tlie series illustrating the general 
characters of the shells of Mollusca is nearly complete. The 
south side of the case in the middle of this bay contains a very 
full exposition of the characters and structure of the various 
kinds of Porifera or Sponges. The remaining three, VIII., IX., 
