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[[preprinted]] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION WASHINGTON, D. C., ^[[Jan. 18,]] 18^[[82.]] [[/preprinted]] Professor Spencer F. Baird, Director U. S. National Museum. Sir; I beg leave to offer the enclosed report upon the ichthyological collection of the National Museum in reference more particularly to the portion of 1881 from July 1 to Dec. 31, but, incidentally, to the entire year. In this will be found an abstract of the additions to the collection, a statement of the condition of the fishes, a record of work done & proposed to be done, and some recommendations in behalf of the collection. A complete list of the fishes secured at Woods Hall during the summer of 1881 is given, as well as of publications in the Bulletin of the U.S. Fish Commission & Proceedings of the U.S.National Museum for that year. All of which is respectfully submitted. Yours very respectfully, Tarleton H. Bean, Curator of Fishes.