THE SECRETARIES' REPORT. 
303 
The Curator of Ornithology reports : 
" On being appointed Curator last year, I found the cases of the 
Museum occupied by three distinct collections — one the original 
property of the Society, another purchased from the representatives 
of the late Eev. E. Julian, the third being formed by the late Mr. 
Christopher Bulteel, and presented to the Society by Mr. Thomas 
Bulteel. These included many birds in cases, many duplicates, 
some defective or badly-stuffed specimens, and some foreign birds, 
but Mr. Bulteel's appeared the best preserved. On my represen- 
tation, the Council decided, that for purposes of classification and 
display, the collections need not be kept separate, but the birds 
might be arranged in one series. The next work was to name the 
specimens, as the large proportion bore no labels. 
" I regret that during the summer private circumstances greatly 
delayed this, but I have since, with Mr. Gatcombe's able assistance, 
numbered the greater part of the collection in reference to a cata- 
logue, and I hope, if the charge is still entrusted to me, to complete 
labelling during this summer and autumn, as well as doing what is 
practicable in cleaning and brightening the many shabby-looking 
birds. 
"Iam glad to be able to state, after obtaining a practical and 
valuable opinion — that of Mr. Mcholls, of Kingsbridge — that there 
is very little evidence of decay either in the cases or among the 
loose birds; and I have removed from the cases, and placed in 
another part of the building, the few specimens I have been able so 
far to discover which have any signs of moth. I should remark, 
that the strong light to which the cases are exposed continually, 
acclerates their fading, and I would suggest coloured blinds for 
the skylight. 
" There has been only one contribution during the year ; but for 
this, a very good specimen of the Gold-crested Wren (Regulus 
cridatus), the Society is indebted to Mr. Philip Mitchell. 
" With regard to the birds' eggs, Mr. Eriggs, who made the 
collection, very kindly met me, at my suggestion, and we set right 
the few displacements which had occurred in moving, &c, and saw 
that the labels were correctly placed. I should be very much 
obliged to any member who is willing to offer authentic specimens, 
as the collection, though good, is deficient of many eggs which 
it might be reasonably expected to contain." 
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