1903.] 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 
817 
The Ornithological Section. 
During the past year the Conservator has completed the arrange- 
ment of the mounted collection of water birds and Gallinaceie in the 
new Ornithological gallery, four additional cases having been provided 
for their accommodation. Three other cases now about finished will 
permit of the transference of the Ostriches and Birds of Prey early in 
the coming year. The gallery was opened to the public on November 
12, and has attracted much attention, as the specimens are dis- 
played to far better advantage than formerly. Beside the labelling 
of the individual specimens, large explanatory cards have been pre- 
pared for the various families, giving their geographic distribution, 
number of species and some of the most striking characteristics. 
The further systematic arrangement of the study collection of skins 
has been facilitated by the provision of five tin cases and two large 
wooden cases, so that the entire series is now preserved in modern 
moth-proof cases, except the Anatidie, Tyrannidas, Cuculidie and Birds 
of Prey. 
The overcrowded condition of several of the cases has also been 
relieved. 
A fine series of California skins numbering about 700 specimens was 
purchased by the Academy early in the year. The collection illus- 
trates many of the plumages of our Western birds not hitherto repre- 
sented, and contains quite a number of geographic races new to the 
cabinet. 
In return for aid in identifying the collection of birds in the Philadel- 
phia Commercial Museums, the Conservator obtained a fine series of 
specimens from South America and Africa, of which the Academy was 
much in need. 
Another \aluable ' collection was presented by Mr. Adolf van der 
Wielen, and a fine collection of eggs of North Dakota birds was 
received from Dr. William E. Hughes. 
The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club has added several speci- 
mens of the now nearly complete collection of local birds and nests 
presented some years ago. 
All the material received during the year has been catalogued and 
labelled, making an addition of about 1 ,100 specimens. 
The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club and the Pennsylvania 
Audubon Society have held their meetings in the building during the 
year, and on November 16-19 the American Ornithologists’ Union 
