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U.S.National Museum
Dept. of Marine Invertebrates
Washington D.C. Dec. 1, 1882

Prof S. F. Baird
Director, U.S. National Museum

Sir,

Following is the report of progress in this department for the month of November, 1882.

During this month, I have been assisted by the following persons: Mr. R.S. Tarr, a regularly employed assistant of the museum; Mr. Leo Need; and Messrs. W. E. Lafford, J. B. Blish and Garrett, midshipmen of the U.S. Navy. During this same time, Mr. H.L. Todd, fish artist, has made several drawings of some of the American Commercial Crustaceans, for the Fisher Reports. Early in the month, Mr. Garrett was taken seriously ill, and has been confined to his room ever since. With this exception, the entire force—has been actively at work throughout the entire month.

Mr. Tarr has been mostly employed in the preparation of the duplicate acts, in general assorting, and in bibliographical compilation. Although Mr. Tarr came to us with scarcely any Museum training, and with but little knowledge of natural history, his great zeal and industry has rendered his services of much value to the department. Mr. Need, who arrived in Washington in the first part of November, is quite young and inexperienced, and has so far not been able to give us much assistance. He lacks the preliminary training essential to one who would engage in Museum work. He is a willing worker and I have kept him busy most of the time, aiding Mr. Tarr in pulling up the