CXX11 PROCEEDINGS—PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE. 
arranged the frogs and toads, the Ecaudata , which lose their tail in 
adult life. On the right are the Caudata —newts, salamanders, and 
their allies—which retain the tail throughout life. Along the base are 
arranged the Apoda, or limbless, worm-like amphibians, and a reduced 
model of a giant salamander which existed in later palaeozoic times. 
In the centre upright cases, Nos. 37-40, a series of exhibits are in 
process of arrangement, based on Mr. G. H. Carpenter’s designs in the 
Dublin Museum. These define and illustrate a species, genus, 
family, order, class, sub-kingdom; variation in size, form, and colour 
of animals; ways of gaining a livelihood; structures for offence and 
defence; instincts for defence; warning colour, mimicry; and similar 
parts in different animals. 
A number of additions of special interest have been made to the 
Index Museum during the year. The pair of Ecuador Condors 
presented last year have been mounted in a large case amid suitable 
surroundings of rock and lichen. Mr. Sidney Steel very kindly 
undertook to paint as a background for this case a view of Chim¬ 
borazo, which greatly enhances the whole effect. 
A young elephant has been added to the collection. Although 
only a baby eight months old, it is an excellent specimen of the 
taxidermist’s art. The skull of this same specimen, as well as that of 
a Dugong, were also acquired. 
Whilst I was in Germany last summer I purchased a small 
representative collection of 70 species of Orthoptera, embracing in all 
180 specimens. 
The collection of 30 specimens from Millport Marine Station is a 
valuable addition, illustrating the more common animals to be met 
with on our coasts. They are beautifully mounted and preserved in 
formalin. This gift is from Mr. James Coats, Jun., Paisley. 
The Museum has been well taken advantage of throughout the 
year, the number of visitors being 12,880. 
A class was formed for working men desirous of acquiring the 
rudiments of Geology, Botany, and Zoology. As the course was to 
be a series of demonstrations rather, than lectures, the number to 
attend was limited to 18. The Geology course was given by Mr. H. 
Coates, and was much appreciated by the men; the Zoology, which 
is to begin almost at once, will be given by myself; and the Botany 
is to be conducted in May by Mr. Wm. Barclay. 
Since the New Year 56 Zoological and Botanical specimens 
have been lent to various schools, and 7 classes have visited the 
Museum for special lessons in Nature Knowledge. Since this 
subject was entered in the Code many teachers have availed them¬ 
selves of the facilities placed at their service by our Museum. 
The Art Master of the Academy has been granted the use of a 
series of birds to be used in his department for art studies. 
The Nature Knowledge Class at the Academy, formed for Pupil 
Teachers, has visited the Museum on several occasions, under the 
direction of the Science Masters. They were given the use of the 
Lecture Room, and the Index Geological and Botanical cases were 
at their disposal for demonstrations. 
The children preparing for the Essay Competition were frequent 
