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will be better understood how much of value is comprised in the result of this tedious picking-over. This material is perfectly unique and when studied is certain to add largely to our knowledge.

By no means an insignificant part of the work of the Department of Mollusks is comprised in the assistance given, through correspondence, to students [[strikethrough]] students [[/strikethrough]] all over the country. The writer has always regarded this work as one of the most imperative duties connected with the honorary post he holds as Curator. However elementary the question asked, or tedious the furnishing of an answer has been, letters received are, so far as the ability of the force permits, promptly and courteously answered and the writers assisted, whether qualified naturalists or not, in any matter germane to the work of this department. Once in a great