a 
23 
numbers; but, allowing liberally for duplicates received from these 
various sources, we may say that we have now from two thousand 
to twenty-five hundred species of fungi in the collection, represented 
by excellent specimens and named by the best authorities in this 
country and in Europe. The special needs for the future success 
of this work are, larger collections of the Illinois species, the com- 
ee organization of these collections, and an increase of the 
ibrary, which is especially deficient in the more costly illustrated 
works, upon which the investigator must depend largely if he would 
undertake original work. In the determination and the description 
of species we have been assured of the invaluable aid of Prof. T. J. 
Burrill, of the State Industrial University. For the study of para- 
sitic animals considerable additions to the library, and a collection 
of authoritatively named specimens, will be essential, with some 
assistance in the preparation of material. I have made no especial 
estimate for the expenses of this undertaking, but can provide for 
them from the general funds asked for. 
In the future field work of the laboratory it is proposed to take 
the State in detail, dividing it into four or five regions, and report- 
Ing upon the entire natural history of each region, separately. 
‘This will give opportunity for a more thorough, general view of the 
‘actions and reactions of the plants and animals of each region, 
‘such as is necessary to the practical application of the results 
arrived at. We shall also, by this method, be able to utilize the 
observation and assistance of local naturalists throughout the State, 
stimulating the local interest and activity in whatever relates to 
the natural history of each region. This can all be done without 
interfering in any way with the more general objects to which the 
institution is devoted. 
For the State Museum, collections in all departments should be 
carried on to completion, as all are incomplete. The ornithological 
collection is the largest of any, but this lacks about thirty species 
which have been ascertained to occur in the State since the con- 
tract with Mr. Worthen was made. It is very desirable that this 
‘collection should be finished, since it lacks so little of completion, 
and the additional material can be obtained at such slight expense. 
[The work for the State institutions it is proposed to continue in 
the same direction and on about the same scale as_ heretofore. 
The high schools of the State, which are in evident and immediate 
need of Natural History material for the illustration of the studies 
of their course, are not over one-third supphed with zodlogicgl 
specimens. The cost of this material, when furnished by the labor- 
atory, is so trifling, and its utility to the schools is so great, that 
probably no objection to the continuation of this work will be 
encountered from any source. For the investigation of the food of 
birds, nearly as much additional material is needed as is now in 
hand. Collections from Southern Illinois are especially to be 
desired, as those made hitherto are confined almost entirely to the 
northern two-thirds of the State. For the completion of the work 
on the food of fishes, more material is needed, and also some 
assistance. Much of the mechanical work of this investigation and 
preceding can be done by an ordinary assistant, in a way to 
facilitate, greatly, the progress of these researches. For the publi- 
= 
@ 
