xvi PROCEEDINGS—PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE. 
The Society has been presented with a large number of valuable 
specimens during the year for the Index Museum, and our thanks are 
due to the many contributors who keep us in mind. For the list of 
donors, see Society’s Proceedings. 
Besides donations, the Society has acquired a considerable 
number of valuable additions by purchase, both of specimens and 
fittings. Besides the glass-topped boxes referred to for the insects, 
a number of small glass-topped boxes were acquired for the shell 
exhibition case. Tablets also, for the Index Museum, have been 
a considerable item of expense. 
Several very beautiful and instructive series of models were pur¬ 
chased in the early part of the year. One series, numbering 23 models, 
illustrates the embryology of the chick. Another series of 8 models 
shows the modifications of the vertebrate brain, the following types 
being represented, viz., Sea-lamprey, Dog-fish, Salmon, Frog, Alligator, 
Pigeon, Rabbit, Dog. 
A number of very beautiful dissections showing the blood system 
(the arterial system injected) have been also acquired. The series 
comprises such types as the Crayfish, Mussel, Snail, Fish, Snake, 
Tortoise, Lizard, Frog, Salamander, Birds, Guineapig. 
A series of preparations showing the life history from the egg to 
the adult condition were also purchased. These include the Snail, 
Salamander, Frog, and Snake. 
The number of visitors to the museum shows a steady increase, 
and the intelligent interest taken, particularly by the younger visitors, 
has been very noticeable. This is no doubt due in part to the 
interest aroused amongst school children by the museum essay com¬ 
petition. Visitors—March 10th, 1898^0 March 9th, 1899—12,160. 
In conclusion, all the collections under my charge are in good 
order, showing that the cases are damp-proof and well ventilated. 
The traces of damp found in the Perth bird cases, and referred to 
in a former report, have entirely disappeared. 
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN. 
During the past year a considerable number of new books have 
been added to the Library, both by gift and by purchase. Amongst 
these are 7 works for reference, 41 works for the lending department, 
besides periodicals, and the publications of other learned societies. 
With these additions the present accommodation for books is fully 
taken up, and it will be necessary to provide more shelving before 
adding further to the collection. The number of readers has shown a 
very satisfactory increase. The total number of works lent was 197, in 
addition to which the works of reference are constantly being consulted. 
REPORT OF EDITOR. 
The Sixth Part (completing Vol. II., New Series) of the Trcuis- 
actions and Proceedings has been published and issued to Members 
during the year. Copies of the Society’s Transactions and Proceedings 
have been sent to 13 Institutions (British and Foreign), and in 
exchange we have received many valuable additions to the Library. 
