202 TlMEHRI. 
kept in decent order, and the greater number of the 
acquisitions set. Sets of new specimen bottles, paid for 
from the funds collected by Mr. Hawtayne, have been 
purchased and will be available for a spirit collection. 
A considerable difficulty is met with in the department 
of conservation, owing to the utter want of trained 
assistants, and to the lack of suitable grounds and 
appliances at the Museum Buildings for the purposes in 
hand. Many necessary operations are altogether impos- 
sible under such conditions. 
Registration. — The specimens acquired by purchase, 
exchange or presentation, have all been registered so as 
to allow of ready reference to the history of each — the 
donor, the locality and time of acquisition being 
specified. 
Clerical and Literary, — The clerical work of the 
department is a by no means unimportant one. The 
time of the clerk is largely occupied in the renewal of 
labels which quickly deteriorate, and becoming dis- 
coloured by the adtion of the humidity and bright- 
ness of the atmosphere, are unsuitable for the exhibited 
series. 
The intra and extra-colonial correspondence takes up 
a considerable portion of the Curator's time, which is 
further occupied with writing for and editing the Journal 
of the Society. 
Travelling Expeditions.— 'Various short expeditions 
for special purposes have been undertaken and satisfac- 
torily accomplished during the year, such as trips along, 
or to, the Demerara river, the Abary, Mahaicony, the 
Mahaica and Hoobaboo creeks, and Bartica Grove. 
The general examination of the hills about the Malali 
