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[[typewritten]]
4. INDICATE BRIEFLY THE PRESENT CONDITION OF THE EXHIBITION SERIES AND THE STUDY SERIES, IN YOUR DEPARTMENT.
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[[handwritten]]
The condition of the collections as regards preservation is better than at any previous time.

The exhibition series is in good condition, but the space and cases in which to exhibit are entirely inadequate. This applies especially to the large mammals. The wall-cases are so full that only the heads and necks of the deer, antelopes, etc. can be seen. The floor-cases are so much crowded together that the light is obstructed, and the attractiveness of the collection is much diminished. There are numerous antelopes, deer, seals, etc., in the taxidermists' vats, which when mounted can be exhibited only with much difficulty and under unfavorable conditions.

As regards the study-series, more storage-cases are needed for the large skins. The alcoholics will need a great deal more labor spent upon them.

As pointed out last year, the large skulls of horned mammals are in need of better installation. A plan was submitted for that purpose, but was not acted upon. The great series of small skulls, as stated last year, is in a very unsatisfactory condition as regards installation. Some 1500 boxes were purchased for these skulls during the year, but it was not found possible to get the[[strikethrough]]m[[/strikethrough]] ^[[skulls]] transferred into them.

The card-catalogue of skins and alcoholics needs revision. This is an^[[d]] important matter but can not be taken up an brought to a finish in the midst of constant interruption. An incomplete catalogue of this kind is of practically no value.
[[/handwritten]]