Mammalia.—Amongst the animals recently added to the collection, and specially worthy of notice are: (1) two skins of the Tasmanian devil (Diabolus ursinus), presented by Mr. J. B. Poynter, of Poverty Bay; per Hon. G. Randall Johnson, M.L.C., two hedgehogs (Erinaceus europæus), one sable (Marter sibellina), one ermine (Mustela), one beautiful specimen of the platypus (Platypus anatinus).
Pisces.—The most noticeable addition to this department is a collection of 161 specimens, illustrative of the Ichthyology of the Pacific Coast of North America, presented by the United States National Museum.
Aves.—The acquisitions in this section, though not very numerous, are nevertheless of a very interesting character. The chief items are: (1) several specimens of Rallus affinis and allied species from Mr. A. Hamilton, of Napier; (2) an Australian roller (Eurystomus australis) shot at Akamotu and presented by Mr. A. Reid; (3) a fine peacock presented by Mrs. Borlase; (4) a pure albino peacock, by Mr. Harding of Napier; (5) a magnificent specimen of the bird of paradise (Paradisca raggiana), by Dr. Bennet of Sydney; (6) two bustards (Otis tarda) by Mr. Banbury of London; (7) twenty-six skins, New Zealand and foreign, purchased by the Director.
New Zealand birds have been presented to Dr. Finsch, of Bremen; Mr. Hague, of London; and Dr. Buller, Wellington. A collection of thirty-two eggs was sent to Mr. A. Gillies, of Dunedin, as an exchange.
Reptilia.—Only a few New Zealand species have been added to this branch, but a collection of the forms indigenous to this colony has been sent to the Bremen Museum.
Invertebrata.—A collection of coloured corals, presented by Mr. H. E. Liardet, and a very fine collection of New Zealand sponges, presented by Mr. J. A. Smith of Napier, are the chief items under this heading. The sponges, however, are very important, as the quality leaves but little doubt that New Zealand may yet be able to produce sponges suitable for the market.
Ethnological.
Very large collections have been received under this head. Amongst the articles more especially worthy of notice are—(1) two Japanese shrines, 500 years old, from the Temple of Kamakura, presented by Mr. H. S. Tiffen, of Napier; (2) a large collection of weapons, domestic utensils, etc., illustrative of the ethnology of New Guinea and neighbouring islands, received in exchange from Mr. H. H. Romilly, Deputy Commissioner of the Pacific; (3) casts of Maori implements, in exchange from the Canterbury Museum; (4) a cast of the celebrated Rorotangi, the figure of a bird carved
