16 
ment in the appearance of the collection is marked and the reduc¬ 
tion in the number of the specimens exhibited makes it possible to- 
dispense entirely with the old wall cases in which the specimens 
were so much in danger from mold and dampness. 
The labelling, except in the case of some of the larger birds, haa 
been restricted to group or family labels. The cards are so quickly 
spoiled by dust in the old cases that it has been considered best to 
defer the general labelling until new cases are provided and the col¬ 
lection is removed to the new Museum building. 
All the specimens are numbered to correspond with the catalogue 
and all data have been preserved on the bases of the stands. 
The Conservator is now engaged in a careful study of the numer¬ 
ous type specimens contained in the collection, the results of which 
will be published in the Proceedings of the Academy, so that the im¬ 
portant facts relative to this famous collection may be properly pre¬ 
served. 
During the past year the completion of the work above described 
has involved the remounting of 500 specimens, the writing of 2,000' 
labels and the entry of 5,000 specimens in the permanent catalogue. 
Besides this the entire collection was rearranged in the exhibition 
cases to bring it into proper sequence. 
The Section’s quarters have been still further enlarged by the 
allotment of additional space on the floor adjoining its room to 
accommodate the additional cases of skins. The whole study-series 
has been carefully examined and found to be in excellent condition. 
The accessions for the year comprise an important collection of 
North Carolina birds presented by Robt. T. Young, a small collec¬ 
tion of African species from Dr. Emil Holub and numerous spec¬ 
imens received from the Zoological Society. The Delaware Valley 
Ornithological Club has also added many rare and artistic groups of 
nests and eggs to the collection of Pennyslvania and New Jersey 
birds, and by its meetings at the Academy, has been instrumental 
in keeping up a live interest in this branch of science. 
The Stone Collection of Pennyslvania and New Jersey birds 
numbering upward of 2,000 skins has been received on deposit and 
is at the disposal of students who may desire to consult it. 
In reviewing the work of the year the Conservator wishes to ex¬ 
press his acknowledgment of the valuable assistance rendered by 
Mr. Henry W. Fowler. 
