/ i i 
THE PROGRESS OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SECTION 
IN THE PRINCE OF WALES’ MUSEUM 
OF WESTERN INDIA. 
BY 
B. C. Ellisox, c. m. z. s. 
2 plates.) 
Since the scheme for the arrangement of the collections of the Bombay 
Natural History Section in the Prince of Wales’ Museum was brought out 
(a synopsis of which appeared in Volume XXVII, No. 4 of the Journal) 
matters have progressed more or less rapidly with regard to the trans- 
ference of the Society’s collections. 
On account of H. li. H. the Prince of Wales proposed visit to the 
Museum it was decided in August 1921 that the first arrangement of the 
collections in the New Museum should be made with a view to show him 
something about the Animal and Bird life of India. An exhibition was 
therefore arranged of some of the more representative animals and birds 
found in this country, the specimens being selected particularly from the 
point of view of sporting interest. By comparing the photos shown in the 
present number of the Journal and the photos which appeared in 
Volume XXVII, No. 4, one is able to see the transformation in the 
appearance of the galleries after three months work. Though not arranged 
in its final form, nevertheless a very creditable exhibition was made 
which was favourably commented upon both by the public and the press. 
A general guide book to all the Sections of the Museum was compiled^ 
the pages of which gave a brief account of the Natural History Exhibition 
in the Museum. This was illustrated with a map showing the areas covered 
by the Society’s Mammal Survey and photos of various game animals. A 
chart was also prepared giving the measurements of the best horns in the 
Society’s collection compared with hitherto published records. Three 
beautifully bound copies were presented to H. R. H. The Prince of Wales, 
the Viceroy and to H. E. the Governor of Bombay respectively in which 
were included some of the beautiful plates which have appeared in the 
“Game Birds of India, Burma and Ceylon” by E. C. Stuart Baker, r.z.s., etc. 
The principal exhibit in the Mammal Gallery illustrated the work of 
the Society’s Mammal Survey. Along the central row of tables a series of 
skins ranging from Primates to Pangolins were grouped according to 
classification. These were further embellished with photographs and maps 
showing distribution, etc. A separate exhibit illustrated the large number 
of genera and species which had been added to the list of the Indian 
Fauna through the agency of the survey. The Society’s fine collection 
of Big Game Horns was shown to very great advantage on the walls of the 
gallery. 
An endeavour had been made to procure the best photos possible of 
Indian animals shown under natural conditions. Through the kindness of 
many of the Society’s sporting members a good representative collection 
of these were obtained and were enlarged and framed and placed 
underneath trophies or side by side with the unmounted specimens. In 
addition to the enlarged photos were numerous others sent by members 
from all over India. These were shown especially for people interested 
in Big Game Shooting. There was a magnificent collection of fine photos 
presented by H. H. the Maharaja of Bikaneer and numerous members. 
H. H. the Maharaja of Dhar,' Mr. J. Ridland and others lent their 
trophies for the exhibition. One cannot but comment on the beautiful 
