9 
this amount is not noted in the current receipts and payments, 
inasmuch as the Treasurer very kindly drew his check to the City 
Comptroller, and immediately received a refund of the amount. 
I am much gratified with their kind courtesy, in view of the fact 
that no obligation existed on the part of the executors. 
Notwithstanding the constant interruptions and annoyances 
suffered by our official staff, the work in the several departments 
has been carried on without any very material delay. A synopsis 
of the work of the different divisions, summarized from the 
reports of the Curators and Chiefs of Departments, furnishes 
interesting data. 
A most notable accession has been made to the Department of 
Minerals. It has been increased by the magnificent collection 
of cut and uncut gem material widely known as the " Tiffany 
Collection of Gems, etc.," which was a special attraction dur- 
ing the late exhibition held in Paris. We are indebted to Mr. 
J. Pierpont Morgan for this splendid gift. As a special collec- 
tion of such objects, it is conceded to be without a rival ; it will 
add greatly to the attractions of the Museum. An appropriate 
case is being constructed in which to exhibit it in the new hall 
connected with the Geological Department. 
The entire accumulation of land shells, containing about 2300 
species, comprising the collection of Mr. John J. Crooke, of this 
city, was presented to the Museum during the early portion of 
the year. This donation will increase the species of the Jay 
Collection by about fifty-seven per cent., making a most valuable 
acquisition to the Conch ological Collection. 
Of mammals, the additions acquired by donation, purchase and 
exchange show a total of 490. The Bird Collection has been 
increased from similar sources to the extent of 1570 specimens. 
The most important gift was received from Mr. W. E. D. Scott, 
and consists of nearly six hundred mammals and birds from 
Florida. Among the additions to the Exhibition Series are two 
fine adult skeletons of the Florida Manatee, several groups of 
Water Birds, and a large number of birds mounted at the Museum. 
The Mammal Collection was removed from the lower hall dur- 
ing the summer and stored in the alcoves of the bird hall to await 
its transfer to the new wing. The accretion of material in this 
