REPORTS ON AWARDS. 254. Charles W. Spurr, Boston, Mass., U. S. PAPERED WOOD HANGINGS, OR VENEERS. Report.—Commended for the following reasons: 1st. The sheets of wood being cut very thin and backed by strong paper, can be applied to any smooth surface. 2d. The use of flour paste instead of glue prevents the discoloration of the wood or ex- aggeration of the grain. 3d. While there is no difference in the appearance of the papered wood hanging from solid wood, the price is much less. 255. Anchor Manufacturing Co., Philadelphia, Pa., U. S. BARRELS AND MATERIALS FOR MAKING BARRELS. Report.—Commended (1) on account of strength. These barrels being made of one sheet of wood with alternate gores, the staves cannot either rack or start. (2.) Tightness: the size of the croze and gores and the thickness and length of the stave being regulated by machinery, a perfect fit is secured when the parts are brought together; this also secures perfect uniformity of size. 256. George J. Burkhardt & Co., Philadelphia, Pa., U. S. CEDAR VATS, TANKS, AND DYE-TUBS. Report.—Commended for excellence of material and construction. 257. United States Department of Agriculture, Botanical Division, Washington, D. C., U. S. COLORED DRAWINGS OF FUNGI. Report.—Commended for the magnitude of the collection—four hundred and thirty-six plates—and the truth and beauty of the drawings. 258. United States Department of Agriculture, Botanical Division, Washington, D. C., U. S. COLLECTION OF WOODS OF THE UNITED STATES. Report.—Commended for the magnitude of the collection—four hundred species—repre sented by nearly one thousand specimens of trunk, leaf, flower, and fruit, and the accuracy and taste with which it has been arranged. All of which renders it by far the finest exhibit of forest trees in the Exhibition.