Annual Reports.] 
180 
[May 4, 
Miss Carter, and the polypetalous orders are finished ; these 
now contain 8547 specimens representing 74 orders, 945 genera 
and 5357 species. 1586 specimens representing as many species or 
varieties have been added from that part of the collection laid 
aside as duplicates by the person formerly in charge of this depart- 
ment. 
These plants have been jjoisoned, catalogued by Miss Carter, 
and carefully examined with reference to synonyms. The genus 
covers have been furnished with printed labels of uniform style. 
The Synoptical Collection, begun last year by Miss Carter, and 
exhibited in the glass cases, has received an addition of 25 prepar- 
ations of as many orders. The accessions to the Herbarium are a 
few choice New England plants from Mr. Sprague and 25 New 
England Algae from Mr. Collins. 
Synoptical Collection. 
The invertebrates have been arranged in the synoptical collec- 
tion of Zoology in Room F. To this Mr. Van Vleck has added 
several anatomical preparations and drawings. 
Other drawings and specimens illustrating the development of 
the vertebrates have been made and will be placed during the 
coming year in their proper places. Preparations of the skeleton 
of the Star -fish and Echinus have been prepared and presented by 
Miss E. D. Boardman. 
Mr. V an Vleck has completed the selection of the type speci- 
mens for the collection of birds in the synoptical collection and 
arranged them in accordance with the plan adopted in the 
selection and arrangement of the fishes last year. 
Paleontology. 
The department of Paleontology remains in the same good 
condition as at the beginning of the year. 
The accessions for the year amount to about 300 specimens. 
Sponges. 
Miss Putnam has begun the labelling of the Sponges. She has 
also under the immediate direction of the Custodian done good 
