Report on the zoological collections made in the Indo-Pacific Ocean ...

;VIPREFACE.of these more than one third (490) were new additions, if not toscience, at any rate to the Museum.The hest thanks of zoologists are due to the Lords of theAdmiralty, to the late Hydrographer, Capt. Sir F. Evans, K.C.B.,and to the Commanders of the ' Alert,' from whom Dr. Coppingerreceived every encouragement in the prosecution of his zoologicalwork.Finally, although the following pages are by themselves alasting testimony to the great service rendered by Dr. Coppingerto the National Museum and to the cause of science, I must notallow this opportunity to pass without duly acknowledging theenergy and skill with which he performed this work. The collectionswere made with singular judgment, the specimens (many ofthem most fragile and delicate) preserved, labelled, and packedwith the greatest care ; and, beside, full lists wore prepared by himgiving additional, and in many cases most valuable, information.When we bear inmind that all this work was done in the leisurehours which Dr. Coppinger could spare from his strictly officialduties, we may be encouraged inthe hope that on future occasionssimilar advantage will be taken of the opportunity which a voyageof Survey offers to q, man of science.The collections were worked out immediately after their arrivalbut the completion of this Eeport was considerably delayed by theremoval of the Department from Bloomsbury to South Kensington.ALBEET GUNTHER,British Museum,June 20, 1884.Keeper of the Department of Zoology^