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was the chief work performed in this Department during March. In this work I have personally assisted, when not engaged in the supervision of the publication of my work on prehistoric fishing, of which 242 pages are now electrotyped.
It has long been a source of annoyance to me that the white paper covering the tables on which specimens are mounted turns yellow or becomes mottled within two or three years, thus necessitating a perpetual remounting of the objects. This drawback can only be obviated by the introduction of a more durable paper of a neutral tint, like that recommended by Mr. Goode, which has been used with advantage in Dr. Flint's Department. (See sample). It shows light and dark specimens equally well and forms a background pleasing to the eye.
The very fragile new specimens obtained from Capt. Wheeler were covered with a solution of thin glue and bichromate of potash. The experiment has proved entirely successful. The objects show a very slight gloss, but can now be freely handled without crumbling to pieces.

Smithsonian Institution, April 1, 1884.
C. Rau
Professor S.F. Baird
Curator.