36 
WEST WING. 
tion of a very different division of fishes, which was much more 
numerously represented in ancient times than at present. The 
majority have a cartilaginous skeleton. To this division belong 
the Gar-pike of North America (case 28), the Mud-fishes 
{Dipnoi) of South America, Africa and Australia (case 28), the 
Sturgeons (case 29), and finally the Sharks and Eays, including 
the singular Hammer-headed Shark, and the Saw-fish (Pristis) 
which has a long projecting flattened snout, with a row of teeth 
arranged something like those of a saw on each side. Another 
very small division of fishes comprises the Lampreys, of which a 
few specimens are shown in case 44. 
The largest specimen of the class, placed near the centre of 
the room, is a full-grown example of the Great Basking Shark 
(Selache maxima) which was captured on the 2nd of March, 
1875, near Shanklin, in the Isle of Wight. Its length is twenty- 
eight feet, but as the minute size of the teeth indicate, it is a 
comparatively harmless animal. 
Insect GaUery. II. A sm.all gallery is devoted to the group of Articulata 
or Invertebrated animals with jointed limbs, as Insects, Spiders, 
Myriopods, and Crustacea. In the wall-cases are many curious 
examples of nests, and of specimens illustrating the ravages of 
destructive insects, and also some of their economic products. 
Selected examples of the different groups of insects are exhibited 
in systematic order in the table-cases, so as to give the visitor 
who studies them a good general idea of all the most interesting 
forms and of their classification. Unfortunately, it is impossible 
to exhibit many of the most beautiful and rare species, owing to 
the deteriorating effects of continued exposure to light upon 
their colours. The main collection of insects is, on this account, 
and because of the immense space it would otherwise occupy, 
kept in cabinets in the " insect-room " on the basement floor, to 
which students can have access under the regulations which 
will be found at the end of this guide. 
Eeptiie III. A large gallery containing the collection of stuffed speci- 
GaUery. mens and skeletons of Keptiles, including Crocodiles, Lizards, 
Snakes and Tortoises. As is the case with the fishes, a large ; 
number of the animals of this class are necessarily preserved in 
spirit, and therefore not suitable subjects for exhibition. The 
gallery contains exami)les of all the forms of general interest, i 
