COUNCIL FOR 1838 . 
a 
subscription for the purchase of Mr. Allis's unrivalled collec¬ 
tion of Comparative Osteology. That unique collection is now 
the property of the Institution, at the cost of dC350., of which 
sum the principal part was raised by voluntary contribution. 
Considerable additions to the department of Indian Ornithology 
have been received, ^ including Lophophorus Impeyanus, and 
Tragopan Hastingsii; and the group of gallinaceous birds is in 
consequence well worthy of inspection. The cases already in 
the iMuseum for the reception of Birds have not required addi¬ 
tions on this occasion, but the time appears rapidly approaching 
when the whole of the space surrounding the large central 
room will be tilled with the ranks of the feathered creation. 
A specimen of the mode in which this collection will be de¬ 
scribed for reference is laid upon the table by Mr. Allis ; but 
before prosecuting this useful work, or adding by purchase to 
the ornithological series, it has been judged proper to prepare 
and place in the cases the large arrear of birds which had 
been presented at different times. This necessary work is 
now accomplished, principally by the exertions of Mr. Baines, 
who has also properly prepared all the Reptilia and Fishes; 
and thus, for the first time during many years, all the speci¬ 
mens of vertebrated animals belonging to the Society may 
be seen in the Museum, though not all as yet in their right 
places. 
Nor has another interesting part of the Zoological collection 
been neglected. One of the new cabinets for British Insects has 
been completed, and Mr. T. Meynell has with much patience 
scrutinized a considerable portion of the minute and beautiful 
objects of his care, and arranged them most perfectly for 
* A valuable series from Dr. Wake ; another from Capt. Spencer, 39th Regt., 
(through Capt. Straubenzee.) Among the beautiful specimens presented by Dr. 
Wake, is an aged female of Lophophorus Impeyanus m the 'plumage of the male. 
B 2 
