INTRODUCTORY COLLECTION. 
31 
covering of the body, and quite functionless. In the Penguin, 
the wings are reduced to the condition of fins, and are only 
serviceable for progression through the water. 
In the first wall-case the principal facts in the osteology of the 
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 Frigate 
bird the largest bones of the wing, the correspondence of Avhich 
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 illustrations 
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, Con tents of 
° . remaining 
in a similar manner, show the most important points in the Bays not 
structure of reptiles, amphibia and fishes. In the latter is a com Pkted. 
very fine skeleton of the Great Blue Shark (Carcharodon 
rondeletii) from New 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 the series illustrating the general 
characters of the shells of Mollusca is nearly complete. The 
