1853. ] 457 
Of nests, those of 2 species of birds, and of eggs, those of 4 species have been 
presented. 
Reptilia. —Of this class 57 specimens of 35 species have been presented, prin- 
cipally by the Smithsonian Institution. Besides these Dr. Ford, of the Gaboon 
mission, presented a valuable collection from Western Africa. 
Pisces.—6 species of fishes have been presented. 
Mollusea.—-A large collection of marine shells from Lower California were 
presented by Dr. Heermann, and a small collection from Texas by Dr. Engel- 
mann, besides which Mr. Lea presented an interesting specimen of Pholas duc- 
tylus, piercing gneiss. 
Crustacea.—Of this class 9 species have been presented, principally by the 
Smithsonian Institution. 
Insecta, Myriapoda and Zoophyta.—A collection of insects and myriapods of 
Western Africa was presented by Dr. Ford, and several species of insects from 
the same locality by Dr. Hays. A few insects and echinoderms from Texas 
were presented by Dr. Engelmann. 
Comparative Anatomy.—To this department, during the past yeaa: the cabinet 
has received the richest accessions. 
The entire anatomical collection of our late lamented president, Dr. Morton, 
consisting of 867 human crania, 601 crania of inferior animals, and other osteo- 
logical specimens, was purchased by a number of members and liberal citizens 
and presented to the Academy. 
Mr. Fahnestock presented a collection of 33 crania of birds and mammals. 
Besides these 10 other anatomical specimens have been received, among which 
are a fine cranium of Phoca leptonyzx, presented by Lieut. M. G. Watson, 
U.S. N., one of Auchenita Lama, presented by Dr. James M. Greene, U.S. N., 
and one of an aboriginal American by Dr. R. W. Gibbes. 
Botany.—Our herbarium has been enriched by a collection of Arctic plants, 
presented by Dr. E. K. Kane, U.S. N., and one of 61 species of woods from Dr. 
Engelmann, of St. Louis. Besides the above, 59 botanical specimens were pre- 
sented, among which is a collection of marine alge from Mr. Ashmead, and 16 
species of fruits from Mr. Ellis Yarnall, Jr. 
Palaeontology.—i112 specimens of organic remains have been presented, prin~ 
cipally from Dr. A. T. King, Mr. L. J. Germain; and Mr. T. Conrad. Among 
them is the unique specimen of the Bathygnathus borealis, of the New Red Sand- 
stone of Prince Edward’s Island, presented by Messrs. Lea, Vaux and Dr. Leidy. 
Hee ace —Of minerals 31 specimens have been presented, principally by 
Mr. C. M. Wheatley and Dr. Rand, 
The above report is respectfully submitted by 
JosEPH LeEIpy, 
December 27th, 1853. Chairman of the Curators. 
The Annual Report of the Treasurer was read and referred to the 
Auditors. 
Mr. Vaux offered a Resolution which was adopted, ‘‘ that the privilege 
of endorsing tickets of admission to the Museum on public days be 
granted to Mrs. Wetherill, widow of our late? esteemed . Vice Presi- 
dent, John Price Wetherill, ‘and that she be authorised and Invited to 
visit at all times the Museum and Library of the Academy.”’ 
