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5

groups and upon the geographical distribution of the reptiles in the southwestern portion of the country, but a consistent and steady systematic work has been out of the question. [[strikethrough]] chiefly due to the uncertainty rising from Prof. Cope's continued failure to finish the work agreed upon. [[/strikethrough]] 

At the beginning of the last fiscal year it was decided to take up the many collections received during the last ten years and stored in bulk. As soon as jars and alcohol had been provided the work of assorting and labelling was begun and has continued steadily at such times as could be