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[[embossed image of a bird trailing a banner from its beak]]

57

and skulls have been received.

[[underlined]] Distributions. [[/underlined]]

As soon as the museum found itself in possession of a considerable number of duplicate specimens a system of distribution was inaugurated which has been in operation up to the present time.  The amount of material [[strikethrough]] given to other institutions depends, of course [[/strikethrough]] of certain kinds, -such as shells, plants, &c.,- given to other institutions has been very great, and even of mammals the number is not inconsiderable.  In 1870 the number of mammals distributed reached 1782, and in 1880, 4825.  Among these specimens [[strikethrough]] are [[/strikethrough]] were included almost all the species native to North America, even the rarest.  They were sent to the various educational and scientific establishments of the country, of Europe and indeed, of all parts of the world.  For the greater [[strikethrough]] majority [[/strikethrough]] portion of this material the Institution [[strikethrough]] expected no [[/strikethrough]] received no return