= 64 ~ Cae iar LOC Tannin See *
e a — a x “ a sl oe ST he Ss = ~ w = Sees
: =
“=
a Yeneee\ EM SD Nea oe P v \
x Wt ¥ aj Pat
es :
. z ee : fy
Ses “Ts
7 Sof. » So Cee sae
er. a. ‘ WIN SAM nee y SR we ee ee oe OP ae
at - 2
maa ¢ . . > z ant.
Pd wine are ye ee te “ , .
‘ 7 . ¢ C : - ?
a Ee each halt ok ul ae. ye Vow ee
A IS LEER SE, Os He hoe Ta eae ley ae : Soe ‘ ec Le De ee en Leen CAR ee re
z Sa a RAE , % oP: ga ee
- Vert a Die en ae panenty TS a ee ae a i OTS
F i Tir, he
4 ew. wih
35TH CONGRESS, SENATE. Mis. Doc. 1st Session. No. 272.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF REGENTS
OF THE
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION,
SHOWING THE
OPERATIONS, EXPENDITURES, AND CONDITION OF THE INSTITUTION FOR THE YEAR 1857.
WASHINGTON: WILLIAM A. HARRIS, PRINTER, 1858.
In SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, June 3, 1858.
Resolved, That ten thousand additional copies of the Report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution for the year 1857 be printed ; five thousand for the use of the Senate, and five thousand for the use of the Smithsonian Institution : Provided, That the aggregate number of pages contained in said report shall not exceed four hundred and forty pages, without wood cuts or plates, except those furnished by the Institution : And provided further, That the entire amount of copy necessary to complete said Report be placed in the hands of the Superintendent of the Public Printing before the commencement of printing any portion of said Report.
Attest : ASBURY DICKINS, Secretary.
LETTER
OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION,
COMMUNICATING
The Annual Report of the operations, expenditures, and condition of the Sirithsonian Institution for the year 1857.
May 27, 1858.—Read.
JUNE 12, 1858.—Ordered to be printed ; and that 10,000 additional copies be printed, 5,000 of which for the use of the Senate, and 5,000 for the use of the Smithsonian Institution.
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, Washington, May 26, 1858. Sir: In behalf of the Board of Regents, I have the honor to submit to the Senate of the United States the Annual Report of the opera- tions, expenditures, and condition of the Smithsonian Institution for the year 1857. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary Smithsonian Institution. Hon, Joun C. BREcKINRIDGE, President of the Senate.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF REGENTS
OF THE
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION,
SHOWING
THE OPERATIONS, EXPENDITURES, AND CONDITION OF THE INSTITUTION UP TO JANUARY 1, 1858, AND THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD UP TO MAY 19, 1858.
To the Senate and House of Representatives :
In obedience to the act of Congress of August 10, 1846, establishing the Smithsonian Institution, the undersigned, in behalf of the Regents, submit to Congress, as a report of the operations, expenditures, and condition of the Institution, the following documents:
1. The Annual Report of the Secretary, giving an account of the operations of the Institution during the year 1857.
2. Report of the Executive Committee, giving a general statement of the proceeds and disposition of the Smithsonian fund, and also an account of the expenditures for the year 1857.
3. Report of the Building Committee.
4, Proceedings of the Board of Regents up to May 19, 1858.
5. Appendix.
Respectfully submitted. R. B. TANEY, Chancellor. JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary.
OFFICERS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
JAMES BUCHANAN, Ex officio Presiding Officer of the Institution. ROGER B. TANEY, Chancellor of the Institution.
JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary of the Institution. SPENCER F. BAIRD, Assistant Secretary. W. W. SEATON, Treasurer.
WILLIAM J. RHEES, Chief Clerk.
ALEXANDER D. BACHE, JAMES A. PEARCE,
4 Executive Committee. JOSEPH G. TOTTEN, jf
1
J
RICHARD RUSH, WILLIAM H. ENGLISH, JOSEPH HENRY,
Building Committee.
REGENTS OF THE INSTITUTION.
JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE, Vice President of the United States. ROGER B. TANEY, Chief Justice of the United States.
JAMES G. BERRET, Mayor of the City of Washington.
JAMES A. PEARCE, member of the Senate of the United States. JAMES M. MASON, member of the Senate of the United States. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS, member of the Senate of the United States. WILLIAM H. ENGLISH, member of the House of Representatives. L. J. GARTRELL, member of the House of Representatives. BENJAMIN STANTON, member of the House of Representatives. GIDEON HAWLEY, citizen of New York.
RICHARD RUSH, citizen of Pennsylvania.
GEORGE E. BADGER, citizen of North Carolina.
CORNELIUS C. FELTON, citizen of Massachusetts. ALEXANDER D. BACHE, citizen of Washington.
JOSEPH G. TOTTEN, citizen of Washington.
MEMBERS EX OFFICIO OF THE INSTITUTION.
JAMES BUCHANAN, President of the United States. JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE, Vice President of the United States. LEWIS CASS, Secretary of State.
HOWELL COBB, Secretary of the Treasury.
JOHN B. FLOYD, Secretary of War.
ISAAC TOUCEY, Secretary of the Navy.
AARON V. BROWN, Postmaster General.
J. S. BLACK, Attorney General.
ROGER B. TANEY, Chief Justice of the United States. JOSEPH HOLT, Commissioner of Patents,
JAMES G. BERRET, Mayor of the City of Washington.
HONORARY MEMBERS.
2
ROBERT HARE, of Pennsylvania. WASHINGTON IRVING, of New York. , BENJAMIN SILLIMAN, of Connecticut. PARKER CLEAVELAND, of Maine.
A. B. LONGSTREET, of Mississippi.
JACOB THOMPSON, Secretary of the Interior
PROGRAMME OF ORGANIZATION
OF THE
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
[PRESENTED IN THE FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY, AND ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF REGENTS, DECEMBER 13, 1847.]
INTRODUCTION.
General considerations which should serve as a guide in adopting a Plan of Organization.
1, Writ oF Smrruson. The property is bequeathed to the United States of America, ‘‘ to found at Washington, under the name of the SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, an establishment for the increase and diffu- sion of knowledge among men.”’
2. The bequest is for the benefit of mankind. The government of the United States is merely a trustee to carry out the design of the testator.
3. The Institution is not a national establishment, as is frequently supposed, but the establishment of an individual, and is to bear and perpetuate h's name.
4. The « jects of the Institution are, Ist, to increase, and 2d, to diffuse knowiedge among men.
5. These two objects should not be confounded with one another. The first is to enlarge the existing stock of knowledge by the addi- tion of new truths ; and the second, to disseminate knowledge, thus increased, among men.
6. The will makes no restriction in favor of any particular kind of knowledge ; hence all branches are entitled to a share of attention.
7. Knowledge can be increased by different methods of facilitating and promoting the discovery of new truths; and can be most exten- sively diffused among men by means of the press.
8. To effect the greatest amount of good, the organization should be such as to enable the Institution to produce results, in the way of increasing and diffusing knowledge, which cannot be produced either at all or so efficiently by the existing institutions in our country.
9. The organization should also be such as can be adopted provi- sionally, can be easily reduced to practice, receive modifications, or be abandoned, in whole or in part, without a sacrifice of the funds.
10. In order to compensate, in some measure, for the loss of time occasioned by the delay of eight years in establishing the Institution,
8 PROGRAMME OF ORGANIZATION,
a considerable portion of the interest which has accrued should be added to the principal.
11. In proportion to the wide field of knowledge to be cultivated, the funds are small. Economy should therefore be consulted in the construction of the building ; and not only the first cost of the edifice should be considered, but also the continual expense of keeping it in repair, and of the support of the establishment necessarily connected. with it. There should also be but few individuals permanently sup- ported by the Institution.
12. The plan and dimensions of the building should be determined by the plan of organization, and not the converse.
13. It should be recollected that mankind in general are to be bene- fitted by the bequest, and that, therefore, all unnecessary expenditure on local objects would be a perversion of the trust.
14. Besides the foregoing considerations deduced immediately from the will of Smithson, regard must be had to certain requirements of the act of Congress establishing the Institution. These are, a library, a museum, and a gallery of art, with a building on a hberal scale to contain them.
SECTION I.
Plan of Organization of the Institution in accordance with the foregoing deductions from the will of Smithson.
To Increase Knowieper. It is proposed—
1. To stimulate men of talent to make original researches, by offer- ing suitable rewards for memoirs containing new truths; and
2. To appropriate annually a portion of the income for particular researches, under the direction of suitable persons. |
To Dirruse Know.eper. It is proposed—
1. To publish a series of periodical reports on the progress of the different branches of knowledge ; and
2. To publish occasionally separate treatises on subjects of general interest.
DETAILS OF THE PLAN TO INCREASE KNOWLEDGE. I.—By stimulating researches.
1. Facilities afforded for the production of original memoirs on all branches of knowledge.
2. The memoirs thus obtained to be published in a series of volumes, me quarto form, and entitled Smithsonian Contributions to Know- edge.
3. No memoir on subjects of physical science to be accepted for publication which does not furnish a positive addition to human knowledge, resting on original research; and all unverified specula- tions to be rejected.
4, Each memoir presented to the Institution to be submitted for examination to a commission of persons of reputation for learning in
PROGRAMME OF ORGANIZATION. 9
the branch to which the memoir pertains; and to be accepted for pub- lice tion only in case the report of this commission is favorable.
5. The commission to be chosen by the officers of the Institution, and the name of the author, as far as practicable, concealed, unless a favorable decision be made.
6. The volumes of the memoirs to be exchanged for the transactions of literary and scientific societies, and copies to be given to all the colleges and principal libraries in this country. One part of the remaining copies may be offered for sale; and the other carefully pre- served, to form complete sets of the work, to supply the demand from new institutions.
7. An abstract, or popular account, of the contents of these memoirs to be given to the public through the annual report of the Regents to Congress.
Il.—By appropriating a part of the income, annually, to special objects of research, under the direction of suitable persons.
1. The objects, and the amount appropriated, to be recommended by counsellors of the Institution.
2. Appropriations in different years to different objects, so that, in course of time, each branch of knowledge may receive a share.
3. The results obtained from these appropriations to be published, with the memoirs before mentioned, in the volumes of the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge.
4, Examples of objects for which appropriations may be made. (1.) System of extended meteorological observations for solving the problem of American storms.
(2.) Explorations in descriptive natural history, and geological, magnetical, and topographical surveys, to collect materials for the formation of a Physical Atlas of the United States.
(3.) Solution of experimental problems, such as a new determination of the weight of the earth, of the velocity of electricity, and of light; chemical analyses of soils and plants; collection and publication of scientific facts, accumulated in the offices of government.
(4.) Institution of statistical inquiries with reference to physical, moral, and political subjects.
(5.) Historical researches and accurate surveys of places celebrated in American history.
(6.) Ethnological researches, particularly with reference to the dif- ferent races of men in North America; also, explorations and accurate surveys of the mounds and other remains of the ancient people of our country. .
DETAILS OF THE PLAN FOR DIFFUSING KNOWLEDGE.
I.— By the publication of a series of reports, giving an account of the new discoveries in science, and of the changes made from year to year in all branches of knowledge not strictly professional,
_ 1. These reports will diffuse a kind of knowledge generally interest- ing, but which, at present, is inaccessible to the public. Some of the
10 PROGRAMME OF ORGANIZATION.
reports may be published annually, others at longer intervals, as the income of the Institution or the changes in the branches of knowledge may indicate.
2. The reports are to be prepared by collaborators eminent in the different branches of knowledge.
3. Each collaborator to be furnished with the journals and publica- tions, domestic and foreign, necessary to the compilation of his report; to be paid a certain sum for his labors, and to be named on the title- page of the report.
4, The reports to be published in separate parts, so that persons interested in a particular branch can procure the parts relating to it without purchasing the whole.
5. These reports may be presented to Congress for partial distri- bution, the remaining copies to be given to literary and scientific institutions, and sold to individuals for a moderate price.
The following are some of the subjects which may be embraced in the reports:
I. PHYSICAL CLASS.
1. Physics, including astronomy, natural philosophy, chemistry, and meteorology.
2. Natural history, including botany, zoology, geology, &c.
3. Agriculture.
4, Application of science to arts.
II. MORAL AND POLITICAL CLASS.
5. Ethnology, including particular history, comparative philology, antiquities, &c. 6, Statistics and political economy. 7. Mental and moral philosophy. 8. A survey of the political events of the world, penal reform, &c.
III. LITERATURE AND THE FINE ARTS.
9. Modern literature.
10. The fine arts, and their application to the useful arts. 11. Bibliography.
12. Obituary notices of distinguished individuals.
Il. By the publication of separate treatises on subjects of general interest.
1. These treatises may occasionally consist of valuable memoirs translated from foreign languages, or of articles prepared under the direction of the Institution, or procured by offering premiums for the best exposition of a given subject.
2. The treatises should, in all cases, be submitted to a commission of competent judges previous to their publication.
PROGRAMME OF ORGANIZATION. 11
3. As examples of these treatises, expositions may be obtained of the present state of the several branches of knowledge mentioned in the table of reports.
SECTION II.
Plan of organization, in accordance with the terms of the resolutions of
the Board of Regents providing for the two modes of increasing and diffusing knowledge.
1. The act of Congress establishing the Institution contemplated the formation of a library and a museum ; and the Board of Regents, including these objects in the plan of organization, resolved to divide the income* into two equal parts.
2. One part to be appropriated to increase and diffuse knowledge by means of publications and researches, agreeably to the scheme before given. The other part to be appropriated to the formation of a library and a collection of objects of nature and of art.
3. These two plans are not incompatible one with another.
4. To carry out the plan before described, a library will be required, consisting, Ist, of a complete collection of the transactions and pro- ceedings of all the learned societies in the world; 2d, of the more important current periodical publications, and other works necessary in preparing the periodical reports.
5. The Institution should make special collections, particularly of objects to illustrate and verify its own publications.
6. Also, a collection of instruments of research in all branches of experimental science.
7. With reference to the collection of books, other than those men- tioned above, catalogues of all the different libraries in the United States should be procured, in order that the valuable books first pur- chased may be such as are not to be found in the United States.
8. Also, catalogues of memoirs, and of books and other materials, should be collected for rendering the Institution a centre of biblio- graphical knowledge, whence the student may be directed to any work which he may require.
9. It is believed that the collections in natural history will increase by donation as rapidly as the income of the Institution can make pro- vision for their reception, and, therefore, it will seldom be necessary to purchase articles of this kind.
10. Attempts should be made to procure for the gallery of art casts of the most celebrated articles of ancient and modern sculpture.
11. The arts may be encouraged by providing a room, free of ex-
pense, for the exhibition of the objects of the Art-Union and other similar societies.
*The amount of the Smithsonian bequest received into the Treasury of the WIIG SAIS UMLOST IS Wel va \eieslelete/e) enloid ajeterietala/aivelelslclcics atelsisieciciate.c ccc clades ses $915,169 00
Interest on the same to July 1, 1846, (devoted to the erection of the Inti LNA) jax potetetnloie/sin\alefele/s elaicla/o) esiavelnialsels) o/s) eiesisiola sieip\o\eiauieie tielce.cte een eierc 242,129 00 gi stalaalanlel sfe)o\s\s/nialtulaVaicleltcie’e'e'ajsistsie cet e:sle.8 o' 30,910 14
12 PROGRAMME OF ORGANIZATION.
12. A small appropriation should annually be made for models of antiquities, such as those of the remains of ancient temples, &ec.
13. For the present, or until the building is fully completed, be- sides the Secretary, no permanent assistant will be required, except one, to act as librarian.
14, The Secretary, by the law of Congress, is alone responsible to the Regents. He shall take charge of the building and property, keep a record of proceedings, discharge the duties of librarian and keeper of the museum, and may, with the consent of the Regents, employ assistants.
15. The Secretary and his assistants, during the session of Congress, will be required to illustrate new discoveries in science, and to exhibit new objects of art ; distinguished individuals should also be invited to give lectures on subjects of general interest.
This programme, which was at first adopted provisionally, has be- come the settled policy of the Institution. The only material change is that expressed by the following resolutions, adopted January 15, 1855, viz:
Resolved, That the 7th resolution passed by the Board of Regents, on the 26th of January, 1847, requiring an equal division of the in- come between the active operations and the museum and library, when the buildings are completed, be and it is hereby repealed.
Resolved, That hereafter the annual appropriations shall be appor- tioned specifically among the different objects and operations of the Institution, in such manner as may, in the judgment of the Regents, be necessary and proper for each, according to its intrinsic import- ance, and a compliance in good faith with the law.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY FOR 1857.
To the Board of Regents:
GENTLEMEN: It again becomes my duty to present to you the history of the operations of another year of the Institution which the government of the United States has entrusted to your care. In an establishment of this kind, of which the policy has been settled and is strictly adhered to, there must of necessity be much sameness in the general form and character of the successive reports ; but since the field of science is boundless, and new portions of it are continually presented for investigation, there will always be found in the details, facts of sufficient interest to relieve the routine of the statements relative to the condition of the funds and the scrutiny of the receipts and expenditures.
It might at first sight appear surprising that so constant a supply of materials for the Smithsonian Contributions and so many objecis of interest, demanding the assistance of the Smithsonian fund, should be presented, but it will be evident, on reflection, that this results from the influence of the Institution itself in increasing the number of laborers in the field of science, as well as in accumulating the materials on which they are to be engaged. The tendency is con- stantly to expand the operations, and much caution and self-control are necessary to repress the desire to be more liberal in the assistance rendered to worthy objects, than the income will permit. Indeed, a charge is frequently made of illiberality for what is the result of re- stricted means. It must be evident that nothing is more important to the permanency and proper conduct of the Institution than the cautious and judicious management of its funds. Any embarrassment in this quarter would involve a loss of confidence in the directors, which would be fatal to the usefulness and efficiency of the establishment.
I have from the first expressed the regret that the original law of Congress directed the expenditure of so large a portion of the income on objects of alocal character, and this feeling has,been increased by the experience which time has afforded in regard to the good which could be effected by a more critical observance of the terms of the
14 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
bequest, as well as by the increasing expense of sustaining a large building, a library, and museum. It is to be hoped, however, that at least a partial relief will hereafter be afforded by an annual appro- priation, which it is reasonable to expect government will make for the keeping and exhibition of the collections of the various exploring expeditions which have been entrusted to the care of the Regents.
At the last session of Congress an appropriation was made for the construction and erection of cases to receive the collections of the United States Exploring Expedition and others in Washington, and also for the transfer and arrangement of the specimens. This appro- priation was granted in accordance with the recommendation of the late Secretary of the Interior and the Commissioner of Patents, in order that the large room in the Patent Office occupied by the museum might be used for the more legitimate purposes of that establishment. We presume that the other part of the recommendation will also be carried out, namely, that the annual appropriation be continued which has heretofore been made for the care of this portion of the govern- ment property. While, on the one hand, no appropriation should be made which would serve to lessen the distinctive character of Smith- son’s bequest, on the other it is evident that the government should not impose any burdens upon the Institution which would impair its usefulness or divert its funds from their legitimate purpose.
It was stated in the last report that the extra fund of the Insti- tution, which had been saved from the accrued interest, was invested in State Stocks. This investment was made because the fund was at the time drawing no interest, and because, until action could be pro- cured by Congress in relation to receiving said fund into the United States Treasury, it was deemed the safest disposition of the money. Though a temporary depreciation of these stocks took place during the last year, there is no reason to regret the investment. Their marketable value is at present about the same as it was at the time they were purchased.
By reference to the report of the Executive Committee it will be seen that the expenditures during the year, though less than the amount of receipts, have somewhat exceeded the estimates. This has been occasioned, first, by unexpected repairs which were found neces sary to the building, in consequence of an unprecedented hail storm, which destroyed several thousand panes of glass and did considerable injury to the roof and other parts of the edifice; secondly, by an expansion of the system of foreign exchanges, rendered necessary by the large amount of material entrusted to the Institution by the
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 15
different agricultural and other societies of the country ; and thirdly, the necessity we were under, on account of the financial pressure, of paying bills for publications which will appear during the present and the next year. The funds of the Institution are, however, still in a prosperous condition, but great care is required to prevent the accumulation of small expenses, which, individually, by reason of their insignificance, are allowed to occur, but which in the aggregate, at the end of the year, are found to have swelled into amounts of considerable magnitude,
Publications.—Thé ninth annual quarto volume of Contributions to Knowledge was completed and distributed during the first half of the year. It is equal in size and importance to the preceding volumes, and contains the following memoirs :
1. On the relative intensity of the heat and light of the sun upon different latitudes of the earth. By L. W. Meech.
2. Illustrations of surface geology, by Edward Hitchcock, LL.D., of Amherst College.
Part 1. On surface geology, especially that of the Connecticut valley, in New England.
Part 2, On the erosions of the earth’s surface, especially by rivers.
Part 3. Traces of ancient glaciers in Massachusetts and Ver- mont.
3. Observations on Mexican history and archxology, with a special notice of Zapotec remains, as delineated in Mr. J. G. Sawkins’ draw- ings of Mitla, &c. By Brantz Mayer.
4, Researches on the Ammonia Cobalt bases. By Professor Wol- cott Gibbs and Professor F. A. Genth.
5. New tables for determining the values of the co-efficients in the perturbative functions of planetary motion, which depend upon the ratio of the mean distances. By J. D. Runkle.
6. Asteroid supplement to new tables for determining the values of
b and its derivatives. By J. D. Runkle. -
It was stated in the last report that Mr. L. W. Meech proposed to continue his interesting investigations relative to the heat and light of the sun, provided the Smithsonian Institution would pay the ex- pense of the arithmetical computations. Though most of his time is necessarily occupied in other duties, he would cheerfully devote his leisure hours to the investigation with a view of extending the bounds
16 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
of knowledge. During the past year an appropriation has been made of one hundred dollars for the purpose here mentioned, and we are assured, from what Mr. Meech has already accomplished, that this sum will be instrumental in producing valuable results. He proposes to determine, from several elementary formulas, the laws of terres- trial temperature for different latitudes. The first formula has been pretty thoroughly applied, and the annual temperature computed by it compared with the result of actual observation. The diurnal temperatures have also been deduced and seem to agree with actual observation within the presumed errors of the latter. The temper- ature, however, of the surrounding medium, defived from the annual temperature, differs widely from the results obtained by the diurnal temperatures. The author is inclined to attribute this difference to a defect in the law of radiation as generally received, which, deduced from experiments in the laboratory, he thinks inapplicable to the phenomena of terrestrial temperature. The second formula takes into account another cause of the variation of temperature, namely, the cooling due to the contact of the air; and the third formula includes also the effect of the absorption of solar heat in its passage through the atmosphere. The investigation will include the consideration of— Ist, terrestrial radiation ; 2d, contact of air; 3d, the sun’s intensity ; 4th, atmospheric absor ation : 5th, the difference in radiating power of luminous heat by day and non-luminous heat by night. Among other inferences to be deduced is the relative heating or radiating powers of sea and continent, when the land is covered with foliage and vegetation, and when it is covered with ice and snow. These researches are intimately connected with the extended series of obser- vations on the climate of the United States, now carried on at the expense and under the direction of the Institution.
The paper of Professor Gibbs and Dr. Genth, which forms a part of the 9th volume, has been republished in the American Journal of Science and in the London Chemical Gazette, due credit being given to the Smithsonian Contributions, from which it was copied. We regret to be informed by the authors of this interesting paper that the sum appropriated by the Institution for assisting in defraying the expense of the materials and apparatus employed in their researches was scarcely sufficient to compensate for more than one-fourth of their outlay. Limited means, and not a want of proper appreciation of the labors of these gentlemen, prevented their entire reimbursement for the pecuniary loss in the prosecution of their valuable researches. They intend, notwithstanding this, to continue their investigations,
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 17
and to devote as much time to them as their other engagements and the means at their disposal will allow. Since this memoir has met the approval of the scientific world, it will be proper to make as liberal an appropriation as the demands on the limited income of the Institution will permit for the continuance of researches in the same line. The publication of the paper was of comparatively little expense, since it required no costly illustrations, and this may be an additional reason for granting a larger appropriation for further in- vestigations in the same line.
The ninth volume also contains the supplement to the tables by J. D. Runkle, mentioned in the last report. The tables in this supple- ment are intended to facilitate calculations with reference to the asteroids. The search for these bodies has been prosecuted with so much vigor of late that their list now extends to more than fifty, and the mechanical labor required to calculate their places is so great that this can scarcely be expected to be accomplished, except by the use of general tables. The work of Gauss on the theory of the motion of the heavenly bodies leaves little to be desired, so far as the deter-- mination of their orbits is concerned; but this is by no means the case with regard to their perturbations by the larger planets. The tables therefore will afford an important means of facilitating the ad_ vance of our knowledge, particularly of this class of the members of our solar system.
The third part of the Nereis Boreali-Americana, by Dr. William H. Harvey, has been completed and will be included in the tenth volume of the Contributions. Two hundred extra copies of the text of the preceding parts having been struck off before the distribution of the types, and the drawings on the lithographic stones having been pre- served, an equal number of plates from the latter have been printed and colored, so that we shall be enabled to make up two hundred copies of the complete work to be offered for sale, which will serve, it is hoped, to reimburse, in some degree, the heavy expense incurred in the publication of this interesting addition to the science of botany. It may be proper to mention that the work was published in numbers, in order that the whole expense should be defrayed by the appro- priation of different years, as well as to furnish the author the oppor- tunity of rendering the work more complete by more extended re- search.
For the purpose of classification, the sea plants have been grouped
258
18 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
under three principal heads which are readily distinguished by their general color. They are as follows:
1. Melanospermeee—plants of an olive-green or olive-brown color.
2. Rhodospermee, or plants of a rosy-red or purple color.
3. Chlorospermez, or plants of a grass, rarely of a livid purple color.
The numbers of the work already published relate to the first two divisions, and the third, now about to be issued, will contain the last, with an appendix describing new species discovered since the date of the former parts.
The text of the first part of the work on Oology, mentioned in pre- ceding reports, has been printed ; but the publication of the plates to accompany it will be so expensive that we were obliged to defer it until the present year. In the meantime the author will proceed with the preparation of the other parts of the memoir, and the whole will be completed as soon as the funds of the Institution will permit. From an accidental oversight in the preparation of the last Report, I neglected to mention the fact that the author of this interesting work is Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, of Boston. The omission of his name in the reports would not only be unjust to himself, but might also pre- vent him from receiving in some cases additional information relative to his labors from correspondents who are engaged in the same line of research. The announcement of the fact of the intended publication of this memoir has induced a number of persons to enter into corre- spondence with the Institution on the subject, and we doubt not that these remarks will tend to call forth other additious to our knowledge of this branch of natural history.
Since the date of the last Report a grammar and dictionary of the Yoruba language of Africa have been accepted for publication. Thi work is another contribution from the missionary enterprise of the present day, and has been prepared by the Rev. Thos. J. Bowen, of the Southern Baptist Missionary Board, trom materials collected during a residence of six years in Africa, and revised and rewritten with the aid of W. W. Turner, esq., of Washington. The grammar and dictionary are prefaced by a brief account of the country and its inhab- itants. The long residence of the author in this part of the interior
of Africa has enabled him to gather more minute knowledge of its topography, climate, and productions, and of the political, social, and moral.relations of its inhabitants than has before been obtained. He
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 19
has collected interesting information as to the habits of thought and action of the people, and their capacity for moral and intellectual culture, which would have escaped the casual notice of the mere traveller.
Yoruba is a country of Western Africa, situated to the east of Dahomey, and extending from the Bight of Benin, in a northerly direction, nearly to the Niger. It is between the countries explored by the distinguished travellers, Barth, on the north, and Livingstone, on thesouth. The author describes it as a beautiful and fertile region, densely inhabited by a population devoted to agricultural pursuits, who do not dwell on the lands they cultivate, but live clustered together in villages and towns, some of which contain from 20,000 to 70,000 inhabitants. The people are generally of a primitive, simple and harmless character, and governed by institutions patriarchal rather than despotic. In their appearance they resemble the Cau- casian race, while their mental powers and general moral impulses are considerably advanced in the scale of intelligence. They have, indeed, already attained no inconsiderable degree of social organiza- tion, while they have escaped some of the more depraved incidents of an advanced civilization.
The language, which is said to be spoken by about two millions of people, is represented by Professor Turner to be very homogeneous in its structure, almost all of it being derived from some five hundrel primitive words. ‘Its articulations are sufficiently easy to imitate, and there is a system of vocalic concords recurring through the whole, which, together with the multiplicity of vowels, renders it decidedly euphonious. The great difficulty is found in the tones and accents, which can be discriminated only by a good ear, and must be uttered correctly to make the speaker intelligible. The Yoruba has neither article nor adjective, properly so called, and it is almost wholly des- titute of inflection. The verbal root remains unchanged through all the accidents of person, mood, and tense, which are indicated by separate pronouns and particles. The plurality of nouns is also indi- ° cated by the aid of a plural pronoun. The numerals are based on the decimal system, yet many of them are formed by subtraction instead of addition or multiplication, as with us. Thus 15 is literally 10 + 5; but 16 = 20 —4,17=— 20—3,&c. Although this language is spoken by a rude people, it abounds in abstract terms, and the missionary finds no difficulty in expressing in it the ideas he desires to com- municate.”’
é
20 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
It is believed that this work will be received by the student of ethnology as an interesting addition to this science, and that its pub- lication will not only facilitate the labors of the missionary, but be productive of valuable commercial results. The country in which the language is spoken is rich in natural and artificial productions, and as the inhabitants are anxious to establish relations of trade with other parts of the world, it would seem to offer a new and tempting field to mercantile enterprise.
Under the head of publications, we may allude to the Appendix to the Annual Report of the Regents. Previous to 1853 this report was in a pamphlet form, and only in one or two cases were a few extra copies ordered. Since that date an annual volume has been presented to Congress, of which twenty thousand extra copies have been printed. The liberal distribution of this work has met with general approbation, the applications to the Institution for copies have been constantly in- creasing, and, in connexion with the Report of the Patent Office, no document has become more popular or is better calculated to advance the cause of knowledge among the people. The object is, as far as pos- sible, to distribute this volume among teachers, and through them to diffuse precise scientific knowledge to the rising generation. It is made also the vehicle of instruction, in the line of observations, to all who are desirous of co-operating in the investigation of the natural history and physical geography of this country. The wide distribution of this report has tended, more than any other means, to make known the character of the Institution, and to awaken an interest throughout the whole country in its prosperity.
In order to render the series complete, the first volume—that for 1853—contained a reprint of the previous reports of the Secretary, from which a connected history of all the operations of the Institution from the beginning may be obtained. These volumes are illustrated by a large number of wood cuts, which have been provided at the expense of the Smithsonian fund. We have, however, to regret that, from the rapidity with which Congressional documents are hurried through the press, we have not been allowed in all cases revised copies of the proof. We cannot, therefore, be held entirely responsible for inaccuracies of the press any more than for the style of printing or the quality of the paper.
It is a part of the settled policy of the Institution to appropriate its funds, as far as the original law of organization will allow, to such objects only as cannot as well be accomplished by other means ; and accordingly, in several instances, the printing of papers previously
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 21
accepted for publication has been relinquished because it was subse- quently found that the works could be given to the public, under certain conditions, through other agencies. In such cases the favor- able opinion expressed by the Institution as to the character of the work, or the assistance rendered by the subscription on the part of the Regents, for a number of copies to be distributed in exchange for other books among our foreign correspondents, has been sufficient to induce some liberal minded parties to undertake the publication, rather as an enterprise connected with the reputation of their estab- lishments, than as a matter of profit. (¢ ddl
Among the works of this class is the “Theory ‘of the ules of the Heavenly Bodies,’’ by the celebrated Gauss, translated by Captain C. -H. Davis, U.S. N., late superintendent of the Nautical Almanac, which was originally accepted by us for publication, but was after- wards relinquished to Messrs. Little & Brown, of Boston, who have shown in this instance, as well as in others of a similar character, a liberality which cannot be otherwise than highly appreciated by a discerning public. This book, which is essential to the advance of practical astronomy, was published in Latin, in Hamburg, in 1809, and is now of difficult access, as well as of restricted use, on account of the language in which it appeared. It gives a complete system of formulas and processes for computing the movement of a body revolv- ing in an ellipse, or in any other curve belonging to the class of conic sections, and explains a general method of determining the orbit of a planet or a comet from three observations of the position of the body as seen from the earth. The essay was called for at the time it was produced by the wants of science. The planet Ceres, discovered on the first. day of the present century by Piazzi, of Italy, had been lost to astronomers in its passage through the portion of the heavens illuminated by the beams of the sun, and could not be found by the means then known, when Gauss, from a few observations of its former place, calculated its orbit, and furnished an ephemeris by which it was readily rediscovered. The methods employed in this determina- tion were afterwards given in a systematic form in the work now transJated. The copies subscribed for by the Institution, on account of exchanges, and those paid for by the Navy Department, for the use of the computers of the Nautical Almanac, were sufficient to secure the publication of the work, which could not have been under- taken without these aids.
In accordance with the same policy the Institution has subscribed for a few copies of a work on ‘‘ The Pleiocene Fossils of South Caro-
a2 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
lina,’’ by M. Tuomey and F.8. Holmes. This work received the com- mendation of some of the distinguished members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, at its meeting in Charles- ton, in 1850, and its publication was undertaken at the risk and cost of the authors. ‘The actual expense, however, far exceeded their esti- mate, and without the liberal aid of the legislature of South Carolina they could not have escaped heavy loss, or been enabled to complete the work in a proper style of art. To aid the same enterprise the Institution was induced to make the subscription above mentioned for copies to be distributed to foreign societies. We regret to state that before the work was fully completed the science of the country was called to mourn the loss of Professor Tuomey, of the University of Alabama, who, during the past year, was prematurely snatched away from his family and friends in the flower of his age. His works, however, will remain as an inheritance to the cause of knowledge and the best monument to his memory. We have been gratified to learn that, at the late session of the legislature of South Carolina, a resolu- tion was passed authorizing a continuance of the patronage of the State to the publication of these researches, and consequently Professor Holmes has signified his intention to publish two additional volumes on the Eocene and the Post Pleiocene Fossils, to which the subscrip- tion of the Institution will also be extended.
Another work, belonging to the same class, is the series of ‘* Contri- butions to the Natural History of the United States of America,’’ by Professor Louis Agassiz. It has been mentioned in a previous report that this distinguished savan was preparing a series of papers to be presented to the Smithsonian Institution, and that the plates for some of these had been engraved. But the number of these contributions, and the cost of their illustration, would have absorbed a larger portion of the Smithsonian fund than could have properly been devoted to the labors of one individual. Fortunately, however, the reputation and popularity of Professor Agassiz have enabled his friends to pro- cure subscribers for an independent work, containing the result of his valuable investigations, in numbers unprecedented in the annals of science of this or of any other country. In order to assist this enter- prise in the beginning, and to relieve its own funds, the Institution subscribed for copies, to be distributed among foreign libraries, in ex- change for rare works of a gimilar character, with which to enrich its own library.
The Institution has also facilitated the researches described in the first two volumes of the work in question, and I may quote the
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 28
following sentence containing the acknowledgment of the author for the services which have thus been rendered him: ‘‘ Above all, I must mention the Smithsonian Institution, whose officers, in the true spirit of its founder, have largely contributed to the advancement of my researches by forwarding to me for examination not only all the specimens of Testudinata collected for the museum of the Institution, but also those brought to Washington by the naturalists of the dif- ferent parties that have explored the western Territories, or crossed the continent with the view of determining the best route for the Pacific railroad. These specimens have enabled me to determine the geographical distribution of this order of reptiles with a degree of precision which I could not have attained without this assistance.’’ Besides this, the Institution caused special collections of turtles to be made for Professor Agassiz, from those parts of the country from which no specimens had previously been obtained.
It was originally intended, as announced in the prospectus, to issue one volume a year, but the author found that the first volume was insufficient to contain all the matter which he had designed to give init. Its publication was therefore delayed, that the whole of this part of his general subject might be presented at once, and hence two volumes have been issued together. The large subscription which has been obtained has enabled the publishers to extend the original plan, and to expend a much greater sum on the engravings than was at first thought possible. The work will serve to increase and extend the reputation of the illustrious author, as well as to afford a striking example of the liberality of our country and its growing appreciation of abstract science.
Under the head of publications, and in justice to the memory of a distinguished naturalist, a profound scholar, and a worthy man, the late Dr. Gerard Troost, of Tennessee, it ought to be stated in this Report, that after his death, several years ago, a memoir he had _ pre- pared on the organic remains known as Crinoidea, illustrated by a collection of specimens, was presented to the Smithsonian Institution for publication. It was submitted to two naturalists of high reputa- tion, aud found by them to be an important addition to knowledge, though left by its author in an unfinished condition. The gentlemen to whom it was referred generously offered to supply the deficiencies, and to prepare the work for the press. Wheir engagements, however, nave since been such as to prevent up to this time the completion of the task which they undertook to accomplish. One of the gentlemen
24 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
to whom the paper was referred, Prof. James Hall, in whose posses- sion the specimens now are, states that he had hoped long since to put the memoir in such a form as to do justice to the memory of Dr. Troost, and be in accordance with the latest views of the subject. To do this, however, required an examination of other specimens, and for this object he had never been able to find time. At present he is engaged in a geological report of Iowa, in which there are several plates of Crinoids, and any which may be identical with those de- scribed by Dr. Troost will be accredited to him. We regret exceed- ingly this long delay in the publication of the labors of one so highly esteemed in life and gratefully remembered in death. It has, however, been caused by circumstances over which we had no control, and which have given us considerable disquietude.
The new and extended series of Meteorological and Physical Tables, which has been in course of preparation for several years, is at length completed and ready for distribution. It forms a volume of 634 large octavo pages, which may be divided into separate parts, each distinct in itself. A copy of these tables will be sent to each of the meteoro- logical observers, and it is believed that a considerable number may be sold in this country and Europe, from which something may be derived towards compensating the author, Prof. Guyot, for the un- wearied labor and attention he has bestowed upon the work.
At the request of the Institution, Baron Osten Sacken, of the Rus- sian legation, who has made a special study of Dipterous Insects has prepared a catalogue of the previously described species of this con- tinent, analogous to that of Melsheimer’s catalogue of the Cleoptera of the United States, which was published some years ago by this Institution.
It frequently happens that the same animal is described by different naturalists under different names, and there may be among the species enumerated in this catalogue some of this character, but in the pre- sent state of the knowledge of American Diptera the publication of a complete synonymical catalogue is impossible. Yet a list like the one just completed is an indispensable preparatory work for the future study of this branch of entomology. The catalogue includes the species inhabiting not only the North American continent in general, but also those in Central America and in the West Indies. It also gives the principal localities where each species has been found. In a list like this, says the author, completeness is the principal merit ; the symmetrical arrangement is but of secondary importance.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 25
The groups adopted by Meigen and Wiedemann are retained, avoiding the subdivisions introduced by modern authors.
The publication of this list, we trust, will very much facilitate the study of entomology, and it is a special object of this Institution to en- courage individuals to devote themselves to particular subjects of re- search. The field of nature is so extended that unless it be minutely subdivided, and its several parts cultivated by different persons, little progress of a definite character can be anticipated. To collect the materials for wider generalizations, microscopic research is necessary in every direction, and men enthusiastically devoted to one object are required in every branch of knowledge in order that the whole may be perfected. It is true, before entering on an investigation of this kind, that it is desirable for the individual to havea general knowledge of the different branches of science, since they are all intimately connected ; and the student can then narrow his field of view until it comes within the scope of his mental abilities, or the means which he may have at his disposal for its advancement. As a general rule, however, the ability to enlarge the bounds of science can only be obtained by almost ex- clusive devotion to a few branches.
It is scarcely possible to estimate too highly, in reference to the happiness of the individual as well as to the promotion of knowledge, the choice in early life of some subject to which the thoughts can be habitually turned during moments of leisure, and to which observa- tion may be directed during periods of recreation, relative to which facts may be gleaned from casual reading, and during journeys of business or of pleasure. It is well that every one should have some favorite subject of which he has a more minute knowledge than any of his neighbors. It is well that he should know some one thing profoundly, in order that he may estimate by it his deficiencies in others.
In this connexion it may be proper to remark that the association of individuals in the same community, each with a special and favor- ite pursuit, each encouraging the others, each deferring to the others, and each an authority in his own specialty, forms an organization alike valuable to the individual, the community, and the public gen- erally. To induce and encourage the establishment of such associa- tions is one of the objects of the Institution. It is suprising what interest may be awakened, what amount, of latent talents developed, and what dignity imparted to the pursuits of a neighborhood by a society in which the knowledge of each becomes common property,
26 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
and the labors of each one are stimulated by the appreciation and applause of his fellows.
Iam acquainted with no plan of adult education better calculated to elevate the mental character of a community or to develop the local natural history of a district than that of a well organized and efficiently conducted association of this kind. Such establishments, I am happy to say, are now becoming common in every part of the United States. They have taken the place, in many cases, of the de- bating societies, which were formerly instituted for mental improve- ment. ‘To the latter it might justly be objected that they tend to promote a talent of sophistical reasoning, rather than to engender an uncompromising love of truth. The habit of fluent speaking may undoubtedly be cultivated at the expense of profound thought, and however promotive at times of the temporary interests of the indi- vidual, can never be supposed to tend to the permanent advancement of the species.
Meteorology.—The system of meteorological observations under the direction of the Institution and the Patent Office has been so repeatedly described in previous reports that it will scarcely be necessary to give any more at this time than an account of the present state of the work. The system was commenced in 1849, and has since then been gradually improving in the number of observers, character of the instruments, and the precision with which the records are made. The Institution has awakened a wide interest in the subject of meteorology, and has diffused a considerable amount of information with regard to it which could not readily be obtained through other means. The manufac- ture of instruments, compared with standards furnished by the Insti- tution from London and Paris, has been an important means of advancing the science. The work is still continued by James Green, 173 Grand street, New York, and during the past year an increasing number of full sets has been purchased by observers. The Institution has continued to distribute rain-gages, with which observations are now made on the quantity of aqueous precipitation in nearly every State and Territory of the Union.
We are indebted to the National Telegraph line for a series of observations from New Orleans to New York, and as far westward as Cincinnati, Ohio, which have been ptiblished in the ‘‘ Hvening Star,’’ of this city. These reports have excited much interest, and could they be extended further north, and more generally to the westward, they would furnish important information as to the ap-
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 27
proach of storms. We hope in the course of another year to make such an arrangement with the telegraph lines as to be able to give warning on the eastern coast of the approach of storms, since the investigations which have been made at the Institution fully indicate the fact that asa general rule the storms of our latitude pursue a definite course.
The materials which have been collected relative to the climate of the North American continent are as follows:
Ist. A miscellaneous collection of MSS. and other tables relative to the climate of the United States. This series will be enriched by a reference list to all the meteorological records, which are to be found in the extensive library of Mr. Peter Force, of this city, and other accessible sources of information.
2d. The observations made under the direction of ae Institution since 1849.
3d. A series of observations made by Dr. Berlandier in Mexico.
4th. Observations made in the British possessions.
5th. The record of observations made by government and other exploring expeditions.
6th. Copies of the observations made under the direction of the Sur- geon General at the military posts.
7th. Copies of the observations made at the expense of the States of New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maine, and Missouri.
8th. A series of observations from Bermuda and the West Indies.
Besides these, the Institution is endeavoring to obtain, by means of its exchanges, a full series of all observations which have been made in foreign countries, and to form a complete meteorological library.
Complaint has been made on account of the delay in publishing deductions from the materials which have thus been collected, but, with the limited means of the Institution, it should be recollected that all objects enumerated in the programme of organization cannot be simultaneously accomplished. The reductions have been steadily pur- sued for the last five years, and all the funds, not otherwise absolutely required, have been devoted by the Institution to this object.
It will be a matter of astonishment to those not practically ac- quainted with the subject, to be informed as to the amount of labor required for the reduction of the returns made to this Institution for a single year. During 1856 the records of upwards of half a million of separate observations, each requiring a reduction involving an arith- metical calculation, were received at the Institution. Allowing an average of one minute for the examination and reduction of each
28 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
observation, the amount of time consumed will be nearly 7,000 hours, or, at the rate of seven hours per day, it will be 1,000 days or up- wards of three years, or, in other words, to keep up with the reduction of the current observations the whole available time of three expert computers is required. This is independent of the labor expended in the correspondence, preparation and distribution of blank forms, and the deduction of general principles. The work has been prosecuted, therefore, as rapidly as the means at the disposal of the Institution would permit. Since the arrangement was made with the Patent Office, from twelve to fifteen persons, many of them females, have been almost constantly employed, under the direction of Prof. Coffin, in bringing up the arrears and in reducing the current observations.
All the materials collected at the Institution are in the process of being arranged and bound in accessible volumes, with proper indices, to be used by all who may be desirous of making special investigations on any point relative to the climate of this country.
During the past year the reductions for 1855 were printed in pamphlet form and distributed to observers for criticism and sug- gestions as to improvements which might be adopted in the subse- quent publication of the entire series.
Hachanges.—The system of international exchange has been carried on during the past year with unabated zeal, and we trust with undi- minished good results. A large amount of scientific material has passed through our hands in its transfer to and from societies and individuals in this and other countries. The returns made to the Institution during 1857 for its own publications consist of 555 vol- umes, 1,067 parts of volumes, and 138 charts. These works embrace most of the current volumes of scientific transactions, and are of the highest importance as aids in original research. The number would be very much increased if the contents of several large cases, which were accidentally delayed until the beginning of this year, were in- cluded.
The importance of the exchanges is not to be estimated by the com- mercial value alone of the books received. In addition to this we must consider the effect which it produces in bringing into immediate communication the cultivators of literature and science in this country with those abroad, of distributing among our societies publications of a class, the existence of which would scarcely otherwise be known, and of facilitating the diffusion of knowledge which, by the ordinary modes of transmission, would not be attained, except, perhaps, in the course of years.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 29
The system has now attained a great development, and increases measurably every year. The expenses hitherto have been principally borne by the Institution, but their amount has now become so great as seriously to interfere with other operations, and I therefore think it advisable that a charge be made, to the parties receiving a certain amount of packages annually, sufficient to reimburse some of the outlay of the Smithsonian funds. What would not be felt by each one individually would, in the aggregate, materially lessen the burden of expense connected with this part of the operations, which amounted, in 1857, to about $3,000.
The expenses of the Smithsonian exchanges would be considerably greater than they are but for the liberality of various transportaticn companies in carrying packages free of cost. No charge on freight is made by the United States Mail Steamship Company, the Panama Railroad, or the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, forming the mail line from New York to San Francisco, while the agents of the line in these two cities, Messrs. 1. W. Raymond and A. B. Forbes, serve the Institution in various ways. The California Express Agency of Wells, Fargo & Co., has also acted with the greatest liberality, and the same should be stated of the old line of Bremen and New York steamers. None of the domestic agents of distribution—namely, Hick- ling, Swan & Brewer, of Boston; D. Appleton & Co., New York; J.B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia; John Russell, Charleston; B. M. Norman, New Orleans; Dr. Wislizenus, St. Louis; H. W. Derby, Cincinnati; and Henry P. B. Jewett, of Cleveland—make any charge for services ; and the same may also be said of Messrs. Oelrichs & Lirman, of Baltimore.
The amount of labor involved in the exchanges is, of course, very great, as will be readily inferred from an examination of the tables of receipts and transmissions during the past year, given by Professor Baird. The entries in the several record books fill over 700 pages ; the circulars, invoices, and acknowledgments, exceed 4,300, in addi- tion to over 600 receipts for packages. For a detailed account of all the operations of the exchanges I would refer to the accompanying report of Professor Baird.
Explorations, researches, &c.—It was stated in the last report that the magnetic instruments belonging to the Institution were given in charge of Baron Miiller, for investigations in Mexico and Central America. Two series of records of observations have been received, but for nearly a year past nothing further has been heard from the expedition. We should regret the loss of the instruments, although
30 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
the cost of them has been more than repaid by the services they have rendered to science in the Arctic expedition under Dr. Kane, and in the results which have already been obtained from them in Mexico.
The self-registering apparatus in the observatory on the Smithso- nian grounds, established at the joint expense of the Coast Survey and the Institution, has continued to record the variations in the horizontal direction of the magnetic force during a considerable por- tion of the past year. The interruptions which have taken place have been principally caused by the impurities of the city gas, the exhala- lations from which have interfered with the photographic process. The records obtained, however, will furnish valuable data for study- ing, in connexion with similar observations in other parts of the globe, the character of the magnetic force, and to assist in determin- ing how far the changes are merely local, or to what extent they affect the whole earth.
Laboratory.—During the past year the laboratory has been under the charge of Dr. EH. W. Hilgard, recently appointed State geologist of Mississippi. Among others, a series of experiments was made by him, under direction of the Secretary, at the expense of the Navy Department, relative to the vapor from a modification of bi-sulphuret of carbon as a substitute for steam applied to mechanical purposes. The result of these investigations was unfavorable to the substitution of this material in the way proposed. Although a greater amount of pressure is produced at the same temperature than in the case of steam, yet the amount of work relative to the absolute quantity of heat employed is by no means in accordance with this, the density of the vapor and its greater specific heat require a corresponding amount of fuel, and when we consider the fact that the bi-sulphuret of carbon is not a natural but a factitious substance, of which the vapor, when combined with air, is highly explosive and extremely offensive on account of its odor and the greater complexity of the engine required for its use, its application in the place of steam would be far from advantageous.
Another series of investigations was conducted in the laboratory relating to the prevention of counterfeiting bank notes, particularly by photography; but as this was intended especially for private use, the expenses were paid by the parties interested.
The Institution does not consider it a part of its duty to volunteer an opinion as to the practicability of the new projects with which the public mind is frequently agitated; but when directly called upon by the government or other parties of influence to pronounce a judgment
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. a
on any point of practical or applied science, it does not shrink from the responsibility, but, after diligent and cautious inquiry, gives the conclusions, whatever they may be, at which it has arrived.
Library.—Extensive alterations are in the process of being made in the wing of the building appropriated to the library, for the better accommodation of the bocks. The shelving has been arranged in two stories of alcoves, thereby more than doubling the space. Hach lower alcove is separately secured by a door ; a precaution which has been found necessary in the library of the Institution as well as in that of Congress. It is a fact to be regretted, but which it is necessary to mention in order to vindicate the restrictions imposed upon an indis- criminate access to the books, that there is in some quarters a lamentable want of honesty with regard to the use of property of a public character. Not only are works in many cases mutilated, merely to avoid the labor of copying a few pages, but valuable sets are sometimes broken by actual theft.
The appropriation for the library must not alone be measured by the sum assigned for the ‘‘ cost of books ;’’ it must be recollected that the library is principally increasing by means of the exchanges ; that every year the Institution sends abroad, besides all the public docu- ments which it can procure, some hundreds of copies of the quarto volumes of its transactions, the marketable value of which is several thousand dollars. It therefore ought to be distinctly understood that the library is constantly increasing by the addition of the most valuable series of the transactions of literary and scientific societies in all parts of the world, and that this is at the expense of what are denominated the active operations of the Institution. It is true the number of books directly purchased is comparatively small, but indirectly pro- cured in the way stated the annual addition is valuable.
Among the numerous donations received during the past year it is of course impossible in this report to particularize more than a few of the most important. The Academies of Science of Vienna, St. Petersburg, and of Brussels, have all contributed largely both of their older and more recent issues. The Real Sociedad Economica, of Havana, has been particularly liberal in this respect, furnishing nearly complete series for many years back, as have also the Horticultural societies of Paris and Berlin. The most extensive single gift during the year has been that of the Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles, in 72 volumes, and the Histoire Naturelle des Mammirfées, of Buffon and Daubenton, in 15 volumes, from the Herzogliche Bibliothek der
32 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
Friedensteinschen Sammlungen, Gotha. The British Admiralty has contributed a full set of all the charts published by it during the year, We may also mention, as an object of special interest of this class, a valuable set of historical maps, presented by Justus Perthes, the celebrated geographical publisher of Gotha, exhibiting the political condition of Europe from the beginning of the third century down to the time of the crusades. The limits of the several empires are ex- hibited by different colors, and the whole are on such a scale as to be adapted for instruction in schools or academies. To render this interesting work more generally known in this country, it is proposed to exhibit the maps in the reading room and to translate and print the pamphlet of explanations for the use of the visiters to the Insti- tution.
Among the curiosities of the library received during the past year the most prominent is an ornamental album, presented through the Department of State, from Miss Contaxaki, a native of the isle of Crete. This work was designed as a contribution to the universal exhibition at Paris in 1855, where it received a diploma for the artistic merit displayed in its execution. The ‘‘ Classical Bouquet,”’ as it is called, consists of illustrations of the principal monuments and places in Greece, to which are added a few from the author’s native isle of Crete. These illustrations are accompanied by quotations from the most illustrious Greek authors, beautifully illuminated, while many of the pages are adorned with pressed flowers culled from the places which the drawings represent. The book itself is a large quarto, covered with blue velvet heavily embroidered, and lettered with silver. It is inclosed in a case, nade of olive wood of the country, about a foot and a half square, richly carved and ornamented with appropriate devices. This work was transmitted to the United States through Charles C. Spence, esq., and affords a favorable specimen as well of the present state of the arts in that country, which was the birthplace of the true and the beautiful, as of the talents, the taste, and the un. wearied industry of the lady who devised and principally executed it.
The library possesses an extensive collection of pamphlets, in- cluding the separate theses of the candidates for graduation or honors at the German universities ; also a series of the annual reports of the public institutions and societies in thiscountry. During the past year these have been classified, a large number of them bound, and the remainder arranged in pasteboard boxes, labeled and placed on the shelves as volumes,
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 33
The binding of the books received through exchange continues to be a large item of expense, and we have devoted the remainder of the appropriation for the library, not expended in the purchase of books or for clerical service, to this object.
In relation to the books received by the copyright law, I have but little to say in addition to what has been stated in preceding reports. The provisions of the act are still disregarded, to a considerable extent, by the larger publishers, and, as a general rule, works are received of but little value in themselves and inconsistent with the character of the library of the Institution. Though the cost of postage has been diminished by the law of Congress authorizing the free transmission of copyrights, yet it has by no means exempted the Institution from a large item of expense on this account. The publishers frequently inclose within the packages letters relating to the proper direction of the certificates and other matter pertaining to the copyright, and by a decision of the Post Office Department all such communications are charged with letter postage. Though the sum in each case appears insignificant, yet in the aggregate it may amount, in the course of a year, to several hundred dollars; and since the system from the begin- ning has been of no real benefit to the Institution, we have addressed a circular to each publisher who forwards a copyright and neglects to pay the postage on the accompanying letters, apprising him of the fact.
In conclusion, I may state that though the copyright law was un- doubtedly intended to enrich the library of the Institution, yet the non-compliance with it of some of the principal publishers, and the reception of a large amount of worthless matter involving expense in its transportation and care has entirely defeated this object. The cost of the system has been at least ten times greater than the value of the books received; nor is thisall; acompliance with the act has constantly subjected the Institution to unmerited censure. We have therefore been a loser both in funds and in the friendly feeling of an influential portion of'the community, and it is to be hoped that Congress will, at its present session, essentially modify the existing law. The deposit of a single copy of each article in the Patent Office, instead of the three now sent to Washington, would be sufficient to secure the rights of the author, and answer all the objects of a complete collec- tion of this class of American publications.
Museum.—The general plan and objects of the collections which have been assiduously formed through the agency of the Smithsonian 35
34 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
Institution have been given in several of the preceding reports, and it will be sufficient, at this time, to repeat that they are intended to exhibit the distribution and development of the plants and animals, as well as to illustrate the geological and mineralogical character of the North American continent. The number of specimens required for these purposes is great, since all the varieties from every locality re- quire attention. During the past year specimens have been collected by ten government expeditions and six private exploration parties. Some of the returns from these are now on the way, and will greatly enhance the number and value of the materials before received. Ac- cording to the statement of Professor Baird, hereto appended, the catalogued specimens of animals at the end of the year 1857, amount- ed to: mammals, 3,200; birds, 8,766; skeletons and skulls, 3,340; reptiles, 239 ; fishes, 613. ;
During the year several persons have availed themselves of the use of the collections and library in the prosecution of original researches, and, as usual, several government expeditions, which have been sentout for surveys, the construction of roads and for military purposes, have been provided with instructions as to the mode of collecting specimens and observing meteorological and other natural phenomena. No oppor- tunity of adding to our store of information, in regard to the physical geography and natural history of the western portion of this continent, has been suffered to pass without being improved, and I may safely say, that since the establishment of the Institution more has been done to ascertain and make known the character of the less inhabited portion of our continent than all which had been previously accom- plished in this line. The survey of routes from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific has served of late to add much to our knowledge of Central America, and during the past year the British government has sent out a party for the exploration of the country north of the limits of the United States and between the great lakes and the Pacific ocean. This survey, in connexion with that along the 49th parallel of latitude, now in progress for determining the boundary line between the United States and the British possessions, will add to the natural history of the northern portion of our territory, and will furnish the data necessary to delineate more accurately the great mountain system which determines the climate and physical peculiarities of the western portion of this continent.
Smithson’s personal effects. —The bequest of James Smithson included all his personal effects, and these were obtained by Hon. Richard Rush,
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 35
the agent of the American government, through whom the legacy was procured. ‘They were delivered by him to the Secretary of State, and afterwards deposited in the museum of the Patent Office, where they remained until the last year, when they were transferred to the Regents’ room in the Smithsonian building. They have been arranged for exhi- bition in a large case of black walnut, and now form an interesting por- tion of the collections of the Institution. They consist of a very ex- tensive series of rare though minute specimens of mineralogy, of the table service of plate of Smithson, and of the portable chemical and mineralogical apparatus with which he made his investigations, Besides the above mentioned articles, the Institution has had in its possession for several years the library of Smithson, containing 115 volumes, and a collection of manuscripts, principally consisting of what would appear to be the materials of a philosophical dictionary. The whole collection taken together serves to exhibit the character of the man, and clearly to indicate his intention as to the nature of the Insti- tution to which he gave his name. It serves to strengthen the convic- tion, ifanything of this kind were needed, that the proper interpretation of the will has been given by the Regents in adopting the plan which makes active operations, the discovery of new truths, and a diffusion of these among men, the prominent object of the establishment.
In this connexion, it may be interesting to repeat a statement made in a former report, that the institution is in possession of two like- nesses of Smithson ; one, a portrait of him while a youth, in the cos- tume of a student at Oxford, the other a medallion, from which a steel engraving has beenexecuted. The first was purchased from the widow of John Fitall, the servant of Smithson, and the other was among his effects, and identified by a paper attached to it, on which the words ‘‘my likeness’ were written in Smithson’s own hand. A list of the papers published by Smithson, and a record of all the facts which could be gathered in relation to him, have been made, to serve here- after for a more definite account of his life and labors than has yet appeared.
Gallery of Art.—During the past year this apartment of the Smith- sonian building has been enriched by a faithful copy, in Carrara marble, of the ‘‘ Dying Gladiator,’’ one of the most celebrated statues of antiquity. This copy, which is said to be the only one in marble in existence, has been deposited here by its owner, F. W. Risque, esq., of the District of Columbia, to whom the public of this country is indebted for his liberality in the purchase and free exhibition of so
36 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
costly and interesting a specimen of art. It is by Joseph Gott, an English sculptor of high reputation, and its faithfulness, as a repre- sentation of the original, is vouched for by a certificate, among others, from our lamented countryman, Thomas Crawford.
The Stanley collection of Indian portraits, which is still in the Gallery, has, during the past year, been increased by a number of new pictures, and continues to be an object of interest to the visitors of the national capital. This collection, now the most extensive in existence, of Indian portraits, ought, as we have stated in previous reports, to be purchased by government. Itis a sacred duty which this country owes to the civilized world to collect everything relative to the history, the manners and customs, the physical peculiarities, and, in short, all that may tend to illustrate the character and history of the original inhabitants of North America. The duty which Mr. Stanley owes to his family will not permit him to retain the collection unbroken, and unless Congress make an appropriation for its pur- chase, he will be obliged to dispose of it in portions. Such an event would be a lasting source of regret; and, from the interest which a number of distinguished members of the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives have expressed in regard to the purchase, we doubt not that the proposition will in due time be favorably entertained.
Lectures.—During the past season the usual number of lectures has been given, without any diminution in the size of the audience and the apparent interest of the public.
In connexion with this subject, we may mention, complaints have frequently been made against the Institution, on account of the bad condition of the walks leading to the building ; but it should be recol- lected that the grounds belong to the government and are not under the control of the Regents.. A plank walk has, however, been laid dewn along the principal thoroughfare and lighted, on nights of lec- tures, at the expense of the Institution.
The Smithsonian lecture-room is found to be the most commodious apartment in the District for public meetings, and almost constant applications are made for its use. This is granted in all cases, pro- vided the actual expense of lighting, heating and attendance be paid, and the object for which it is required be consistent with the character of the Institution, and not merely intended to advance individual interests. The rule which excludes from the lectures any subject connected with sectarianism, discussions in Congress and the political questions of the day, has been strictly observed.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 37
The following is a list of the lectures which were delivered during the winter of 1857-58:
Seven lectures by Professor John LeConte, of the South Carolina College, on ‘‘ The Physics of Meteorology.”’
One lecture by Hon. H. W. Hilliard, of Alabama, on the ‘‘ Life and Genius of Milton.’’
Two lectures by Dr. I. I. Hayes, of Philadelphia, on ‘ Arctic Ex- plorations.”’
One lecture by Rev. T. J. Bowen, of Yoruba, Africa, on ‘‘ Central Africa—the Country and People.”’
One lecture by D. K. Whitaker, esq., of Charleston, 8. C., on the “¢ Genius and Writings of Sir Walter Scott.’’
Two lectures by Professor C. C. Felton, of Harvard College, Cam- bridge, Mass., on ‘‘ Modern Greece.”’
Four lectures by Dr. James Wynne, of New York, on the ‘* Dara- tion of Life in Various Occupations.’’
Three lectures by Professor J. P. Espy, on ‘‘ The Law of Storms.’’
Five lectures by Rev. J. H. McIlvaine, of Rochester, N. Y., on ‘* Comparative Philology in some of its bearings upon Ethnology, and embraciag an account of the Sanscrit and Persian Arrowhead Languages.’’
Three lectures by G. Gajani, on ‘‘ The Catacombs, the Coliseum, and the Vatican of Rome.’’
One lecture by Professor Schele de Vere, of the University of Vir- ginia, on ‘‘ John Law and the Celebrated Mississippi Speculation.’’
From the foregoing" statements we think it will be generally acknowledged that the Institution is steadily pursuing a course of usefulness well calculated to make the name of its founder favorably known and the results of his bequest highly appreciated in every part of the civilized world, that its funds are in a good condition, and that the prospect of its future influence in the promotion of know- ledge is even more cheering than at any period of its past history.
Respectfully submitted.
JOSEPH HENRY,
Secretary S. I. Wasurneton, January, 1858,
APPENDIX TO THE REPORT OF THE SECRETARY,
SMITHSONIAN [nsTITUTION, Washington, December 31, 1857.
Sir: I have the honor, herewith, to present a report, for 1857, of the operations you have entrusted to my charge, namely, those which re- late to the printing, to the exchanges, and to the collections of natural history.
Respectfully submitted.
SPENCER F. BAIRD, Assistant Secretary Smithsonian Institution, JosepH Henry, LL.D., Secretary Smithsonian Institution.
PUBLICATIONS.
The publications of the Institution for the year consist of the ninth volume of Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, embracing 484 pages of quarto text and 22 plates, and of the annual report to Con- gress, an octavo volume of 468 pages. Considerable progress has also been made with the printing of the tenth volume of Smithsonian Contributions, 136 pages and five plates being finished.
The catalogue of North American Diptera, by Baron Ostensacken, is nearly through the press and will include 112 octavo pages.
EXCHANGES.
The system of international exchanges so successfully prosecuted by the Institution since its establishment has been carried on during the year with the happiest results. A large amount of scientific material has passed through its hands and has been promptly transmitted to its destination. The general details of the system will be presented hereafter.
The returns made to the Smithsonian Institution for its own dona- tions will be found in the following table:
A.—eceipt of books, dc., by exchange in 1857.
MOLUIMER—-OCLHVOns 222 ocee cece Se een e mstenec a aon na. eh eee 404 Oniantors sees Ses = Da ee eee ae os oa eee 146 Wolioz {lew Ase esse ese ah os ek ee 5 — 555 Parts of volumes and pamphlets— QOGAVO jase>. oe cesuce - secs ee saissisccessmeeeemeeinees 775 OUATIO tess sect eeas -StcccconenaneemecTeeeeene mentee 255 HMOWO Maca se leeemianesscclata cess = Seees cee eet ees 37 — 1,067 (Charts/aHG Maps) pcee ene eee es cence aes. Sean eee eee eee 138
REPORT OF ASSISTANT eee. 39
The works received embrace most of the current volumes of scientific transactions, with some back series, and are of the highest importance as materials of scientific research.
In the following tables are exhibited the chief statistics of exchange during both 1856 and 1857. The last annual report did not fully cover the subject, owing to the fact that a supplementary sending was required in January, 1857, to complete that of July, 1856, and a re- port for 1856 could not reasonably include what was actually not per- formed till the ensuing year. In presenting the series of tables throughout, those of transmissions for 1856 are to be understood as embracing parcels forwarded in January 1857. This will explain the apparent disproportion in amount for the two years, as much of what was sent in the beginning of 1857 would otherwise not have gone until the ensuing summer.
B.
Table showing the statistics of foreign exchanges of the Smithsonian Institution in 1856.
| wo | pat ' J P= PA a ete = orci fe = a Bah | eke oak ee eet) a a fe. Vad | ar = Se See = 9 (se ae ne 5 Ne ae) si} ae los 5 A) a | ae Distributed through— = oe bf Ss. lee os Ses lmees ae = cots Mall ae p= Oey OF) ees ik iors pte ae fae Pee 3 5 | & | #9 3e Eh go pera = By ai = ae | is aes 3 = = | =o = = R 20 = ee andes 3 = ae = Te ae Pa = Bee [ne ————$————_ ssp, —————— . Dr. F. Fliigel, Leipsic. RMMEUGHE Gilstad cictersla\a)e(awiels's'eweiaces 8 2 SS ole 22 Dy) orwtars. aiven fod Oth terete sarees g LOIS D Egos apeeoc Apageaee eases C) Tiler ce ack | 13 Tilaues aes RR Ae 3) eee MGEIANG warwc sas s oaicein's 0.06,0,0e.ce\sisine iW issoosd Seen eee | SB eSnes0| BERBOroA) Cinatiy ies -c@e) Mase e tae Den Marks isis cle clseiueiarae os w'ateeeves 6 Db i seinreweil IR SM Boconcee I Gwisieos pill oavatet sl aust aieki<« PGs Sea M sonic cana tees saenaens 2 ged ene A geal 8 ape: 2k rated | el ot Site aSeore HONANGe ttl sees veeewanecacwde 17 LG GFe Seek | AGH | | STS leh peRe seed eee wee ste Me ae 2, GEFMANY 7. sdclesvermeeniasesse sacs 15S, , AGS fe; aes be | ALE. CAD sensi sas pl sasislelellasweiss)(< cntaion = SMART AAI a sjciwie’eajelsic'ew che cinidisia'e 15 BU iheniesi wine's SO ue oa itera) le atniatal luletearwiell wt olaete reas BeleiaM 5 occas ceiiicavcecenses vee 3 TOP Et ree Aa) | VG eA ome teaenmbawiee | sbin ecw Lace aN | PR GAN sawn’ Se mnemasiinsienadh poeta aoe 562} 656 38 | 1,042| 42] 340] 10,428 | | | } | 2. H. Bossange, Paris. | | | Barca tetoeremrctars Siete c aislele efule's w/e ata dels 190i! *HQBe). 22s. Ler FAD | erate site Nate ee wsi|'ceecos'| miwcvoaee Picea Na eit misiele «/ ciel =, viwio ech atcisletama'niars 42 chal he are hain | 95 Be ee ee | ereranet s Fecal \amciove sine Spain and Portugal.........0....- 5 [owncnere 14 1 pease) neacts): [een crash eiae'e aaa } ea } | AL OLallscieriv octet cinioteinvete sats a's oh 281 | 296 | 176 | 472) ) 23126)" "45199 3. The Royal Society and H. Stevens, | London. Great Britain and Ireland......... 117 | 231 | 348 | 260 | 253 513 9| 94] 2,914 : —|—— ' — | 4. Other channels. ...ccevesicecaves eife 26 10 | 36 | 39 | 10 49 | 6 | 26 800 _———$—_ | ——__— | | | ——$———| | | | SPRUE Vek S cis ces cou ace 511 | 716] 1,227] 1,251 | 825] 2,076] 70| 5386 | 18,271 | | / |
40
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
G.
Table showing the statistics of foreign exchanges of the Smithsonian Institution in 1857.
Distributed through—
1. Dr. F. Fliigel, Leipsic.
S WEEN . wevccevccccesscceeneees INOF Wale onic) to esie viuieaisisieniene
PECAN eters e'e's 0 sain raise Sin to
PICMG ALK cerniste alaicieies\elaiaisiolsinivieiale «x Russia..... plsje ais sjulels\olale(a's win tsin\eiaiei= Holland..... wleivuete Biateleyalpieid) sleleisisia’s
GeNMANY/ «200 vec ces. sncccses eens
SWITZELIAN Gon se view bow siecle enn vleise
Belgium. cecveccsoves cesses cosee-
PROtAb csp sietseicc esis visis ana
. Bossange, Paris. FYaNCe ...ccccceccecccscees coves:
SU tied Uyjate twists nls taloinlo\iclele biatw\e'ein'clclcjais/ele:«
SS PARI erate va reietel = slelefejeleiel eters aialsin secs </e
POFtugalcccer cccecs soccles suse ce
PUG icilisisleislalnlolstaisisis(sisieiotalelsiaic
3. The Royal Society and H. Stevens, London. "
A KOMCT CRUNNEIS. occlu cee) ssicieisioliieelatenteh
Great Britain and Ireland........
Granditotalle. cccisss's esisins
| Principal addresses of parceis.
all tell ©) IO OD on
505
sub-
parcels inclosed.
Addresses of
ra So
460
Total of addresses.
eee twee
Number of principal packages.
= eis | Fae 2 = n Seth 2 eet 2 20 3) re) ns an =D = 2 25 — >= ES St aloe] bog aS Se x 2 r—) Ms 3 |3 25 pa 3 Shs 3 = io) Ss » Zz = Zz 1a i GAl| eae. ae NG sk gac-rvc adhe. NA eee ae aa 37 Cr eo oe eeerl reer seen eres yaltee ea eee be ee DEP areermegeeany (re SH ie a ee oe Ei at, isnaicloul te aeeeste Re Galaedl oe cea Is) CPP Mee A A | ae 382 847| 19| 183] 6,928 Tiidltnccc Seealisas FNS RA as beae 32 Sin afaeitoasll Sea aes A thy re acs 2 110 288 6| 63] 2,410 158 390| 10] 118] 3,910 10 100 5| 20] 1,000 660| 1,625] 40] 384] 14,948
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
4]
D.—Packages received by the Smithsonian Institution for foreign dis-
tribution in 1856 and 1857.
No. of packages
Albany, N. Y.— 1856.
New York State Agricultural Society -....-.....-----.-.<---- 5
New, Monk state Medical’ Socicty;..— «nasser 6
PTOt aIneCs All ne oo can coo Rca enn ec so ee oem as ene 8 | Baltimore, Md. --
TE TedW q0g) ae B17 (2) eee ea ee a Se 25 Baton Rouge, La.—
institution tor Mutes and’ Blind!) -..-<-<2s2y-.-2-s2s—-20 = <=c~ 18 Boston, Mass.--
American Academy of Arts and Sciences...-....-...=.-=...- 392
Beston Society of Natural History +. o--..-. <--- 2a on nee ==2- 65
Historic-Genealogical Society ..-..-.-.------..-- He obdactice 1
moron) Discipime NOCety 2-2 ona ajan an cae one a ones mea 32
WP WHILCO See ose oan es rae a cee oat oeeiaaaa cae saan = 5
Eiiguicr ied: oo 0" eel. oo cae tema eaaee te ote eS eee |
Weehle Dixoniena. 236 Soleo ot aee deeds ao seats se 5
Een INS Mee ola oe no toe ern a late cine Se ee oom nase aimee ec | eee
Hd. Tackerman....-- Oe er se Oe ee Se ee ee ee
Negtiew LrescOtlmocn n= soe Cosa cee mote ek as ala ee ee ee aeeee 8
Pikeo) aanos prnney,, MiP Loo. oo ee ae ae se ee ee Cambridge, Mass.—
American Association for Advancement of Science..-.-.------ 28
Cambridge Observatory’. 222542 55--Se 52 So ea ee eee ae Petes
Denne Soe Joc aocce Solna meeeeet ces cemeteries sieleee sae 50
ero fensay GQIay a. aco ac ase oe sae See ee oe ae a a te 1
BRGe ot! Trend welle. 2 \con4- see eas caesar eacmaenaoeae ae 200 Charleston, S. C.—
Dee “Wee Ravenel 220 fos Ss ese Se Se dese see eis - 2 Chicago, Ill —
Colch Ds Grabai,, US. Ao asceoscee nome sas cmee cease rane. | seer eee Cincinnati, Ohio—
Ja big] Dade SGA of ogg La Bega a ae pela ial Dae oe fa 24
De Vanohankes < os oaks Bole ce ee es 24 Columbus, Ohio-—
One State: Board of Acricalture . 2 oto. -ssceu saeco aeemee | aecaeees Frankfort, Ky.—
eauriesl Sutvey Of Kentucky ~~ Jccsccocss sooseso- ss osees eweecne. Georgetown, D. C—
Georzetowns Colleres* sass fesse we sis Peek sas sass eee 2 Granada, Nicaragua—
IPTESIM eR GIVER se eie cmete ne ee one tee ee eee. melee ome 100 Hartford, Conn.—-
fon. Henry barmmandeeses ose se. hos Sele so See ee 283
Mes Potter sos oS eee eee Sone cae Sa ences sees See 22 Lansing, Mich.—
Michigan State Agricultural Society ..-.---------+---------- 50 Letanon, Tenn.—
ENOL OSOLd 2. = Loe Scene ane Bee eee ee eee ae =| hos see Lowell, Mass. —
amensb Wancis’ . 2.222. cee ses SaaS aaa ee ee coe ee ne 16 Madison, Wis.—
Wisconsin’ State Apricultural Society 2225-42 seseseseress ate lesee 2-5
istoricaly society, of WiSCOnsini jon ame ee eee as a ees woe New Brunswick, N. J.—
Prot. Gen i. Cook <= .3.0. 22 eee “apo p ac Aapde lh Pood etic ae Ep eee
see ree
ae ee eee
42 REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
D—Continued. No. of packages. New Haven, Oonn.-— 1856. 1857. amnencannlourmal of Sciencetee seu eeee see eases cee 48 20 ponenicany Oriental SOCebYy. .2eokeos owe ose aouk fo eget os Malis Dasma Proiemioe MIMS ted oe aoe Ue etes eee st ec Ae NRE 10 7 New York— American Geographical and Statistical Society............----|-------- 57 New: York Dycewm of Natural ‘History (02/220 200 eh oa RN eee tee SAE FY Ube 6 ote hs AS A RS aR RR emp UN AA 2 90 Philadelphia, Pa.~- Amen can iM OsOpMi Cali SOClet yay 26 ae ee eee ane mice a mena 42 79 ANCAdemy: GiiNetUrAlSCLeNCe sue = Seana atk anne ee ea a 300 173 CentralyHigh' School of Philadelphiac: 20.00.0000 00 100 109 Historical Society of Pennsylvania 222 se. ooo ee eee iy || eres oe Pennsylyaniaginstitute tor .the Blinds. 2m. — sane ie Ae 45 AY) Poailadeipiia iabrary Company i020 225222225 20" ee TO) joe eset WNT PER OGM CTU ISS UNG cara eee ete ee een eee ge BIN Aa IR URE LOO nares 53.8 SEND ES TE CaRy ee ge acetal car lee pe teeing Uae dee 171 178 Drmcse phi leldivecsmen cae acca tert t. \ tik 2AM SR aEe eee 16} 47 Domo nmAt NICIO ge tennis Se yale ees he ce ROA ee Teo eve eee 44 Providence, R. [ — SUACROMN NO CMS ANG acme mee se eet oe a Se ee Lee eeee 6 St. Louis, Mo — St WoulseAcademypotesciencese sees see een t. Se ee eee al eee eee 161 Dr Bh Shumeards= 226 ee ahaa See a ese ie eee Se eee, P2algece cree s San Francisco, Cal — California Academy of Natural Sciences .-......--.....------ We eases ae Santiago, Chile-— WiniversiiyOrn Chile tee cess. ee sam ee een Dae eat Pee ce 140) 2ae2e soe Savannah, Ga —— i eR OS hae ONCE Beers eee aint ste ae Set cans Ee St eR ee HO iekat cose Toronto, Canada—— Canachianialns trbUbe see oa ate oper he oe io taal Se ee ee Ng fat A 17 Washington, D. 0.— WegsmgBatent Offices s sa pee aun eh ee als 250 250 Ordnance Bureau -...... 15 AER A ade EB ee he ae Ca re a ANG, Nein Sea ST Woastisunveyacsoceecce ose seein eed ee sya 67 497 Rrsieohiee OO SERVALORV is.) cee 7s aoa Se owise Cte fc See Mis ome 73 ie TOUBE ES OAnO ns oe crete ee tee, SU Se ee a ae Oy a ceaees SISTER TERY GUE HAE AS SA A RC A TN nee aie 120 ii4 Surgeon General.....__- Sep a aie oT aT enone ae eieie | eee 50 Major Hi Bimory, We S.A sooo. 2 oo 8 BS ee rennet Whi) || sees Sees DIG ReAL Ey IBA ey Nk A ah Nh aR NN ee eR a eh i (33.0) DD ide St uNe Ww DEty Seema cere sin ter uee rs wane aa. oe 20 Wee 2 a= METS Ur tks CpliVes UNS SAE eee eee acre cen ERCP. sh |e Aree MGS UDHG Reena rem Rite Ateete ee Sewers en at se Lal ed BO eens eso Wie tibsye). We NG asa Ut Seige ere eee te ce et nl) ek 25 Ward SUL PSOM 2 eye oe eae terme re AF on S85 ta 50 Degg Ge enmediy . Sao 2 co ie hea eee at tat het ca 59 Vier pmuuhG Ogre ea cae cart me eRe ete te RET CL Ae en | 109 Minscellameousips 2 Pcie eae aid cic ai aw cle aN ee es eC 133 120 1 BC] Sip a Re a ath CC eet Ha Tir Oe 3,510 3, Ook Supposing cach parcel to contain an average of one and a half pieces, the numberof these would be so 222.22 ee on eee 5, 265 3,095 Add of Smithsonian volumes and memoirs, about _...--.----------- 2,500 2,500 Add volumes of public documents obtained and distributed, about....| 1, 500 1, 000
Approximate total of volumes and pamphlets sent abroad by the Instibutionl pean oee eee ae nace wae Se aoe Sea
\ )
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
43
E.—Addressed packages received, by the Smithsonian Institution from
Europe, for distribution in America.
No. of packages.
Albany, N. Y.-- hen VOTKtotmtemibTanyie a cabs nee Sea leee samt eee Boston, Mass.—- | American Academy of Arts and Sciences ...-.-_------.------ Boston Society of Natural History.....-----------------7--- Bowarbew: UNDIaey =e eee awe cee n enema cee a= aaa a em meso Cambridge, Mass.—- American Association for Advancement of Science------------ Cambridge Astronomical Journal-..-.....------.<----.-=--- Gambmadce.ObsenvkuOly os ==> 2-5 e2 = aan ese <a ee ome eee ee Hanvand Colleser eek 222s =- ss 2e2* Soo Sse ena me Charleston, S. C.— interary-and EPhilosophical’Society --=<=2.2- =-----s===----——- Colum’ us, Ohio— Ohio State Board of Agriculture -.-.-.....-.-----ee.-------- Georgetown, D. C.—— Georgetown College.......+--------.-<--=-=-s-s<0-----4- Lansing, Mich.— Michigan State Agricultural Society .......---+------------- Madison, Wis — Wisconsin State Agricultural Society -....------------------ New Haven, Conn.—- American Journal of Science -..--.------------------------ Miaka nd One TEU Soe 2 hee PEO eae oe soccer ae ae cee New Orleans, La.—— New Orleans Academy of Natural Sciences --.-------.------- New York—- American Geographical and Statistical Society .-.-.---------- New York Lyceum of Natural Histury......----.---------- Philadelphia, Pa.— Americans: btlosophical ‘Soctety.< 252-225-222 s22san-e~—a52—— Academy of Natural 'Sciences.----<2----- --<55-s2c—-<acm—-- ranineinstittters +2 Sasson ao Stee ato. Saat eee ams San Francisco, Cal.— California Academy of Natural Sciences. ---.--.------------- Santiago, Chile— ifcensitivs Of: Ohi levee sae Stele teen ye ata ole mi tetalas = @ bre myeconyesapss = Ay aeons ot Sees ee en Sete eee Washington, D. C.— HPS bavcnhyOMmeGe essa aeae noon ass eee ee wanes Sees Nations’ LnGiibu bees e tens ar ee Se nee sore ans ie re Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography..--.-.--.------------ Wess: Coast: Surveyors se cue eee oe esate ae see ae ee Wergorial Observe tony sete ate ate ete ee i i Sonpeon Generales seer ts ees See ae aa eb United! States Agricultural Societys... -- --.2=----=------= = — Hibpanysoi Congress see ees eee oe ae ete a ee ee Worcester, Mass — Americal “Ant uaATi ans SOClehy aks ae = o-e eee eee eee Miscellaneous addresses, institutions....---..---------..-.-------- mnidividials® eq. eee ee ae Se
9 9 42 53 30 39
PR 7 7 24 19 9 9 22 19 i eee 14 24 Bee RE cc ok. 8 13 22 22 5 5 PCM 12 16 24 19 24 25 74 55 57 62 9 7 4 19 6
2 7 37 57 3 3 1 3 27 24 23 63 it Baek ee ee Ce 17 10 1g een oecee 437 330 318 320 1245 | 1,273
In addition to the above, 142 volumes were received from five European institutions for
distribution to such addresses as might be selected by the Smithsonian.
44 REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
DETAILS OF THE SYSTEM OF EXCHANGES.
As the system of international exchange now carried on by the Smithsonian Institution has attained a very great development, a sketch of the mode of conducting it may not be amiss at the present time. The subject may be considered under two heads, one relating to the parcels received from parties in the United States for transmis- sion to foreign countries, and the other having reference to receipts- from abroad for institutions and individuals in America. In con- nexion with this subject, it may be stated that a large room in the Institution, measuring 70 feet by about 25, is devoted to the depart- ment of exchanges, and, besides containing the stock on hand of Smithsonian publications and of miscellaneous documents, is fitted up on one side with a series of large binns, each one devoted to a partic- ular portion of the world, and appropriately labelled. The floor of the room is occupied by a series of long tables, five feet wide, on which parcels are made up or unpacked. Printed addresses are arranged in small pigeon holes, and include nearly all the correspondents of the Institution, domestic and foreign, amounting, at the present time, to nearly one thousand names.
Operations connected with transmissions from the United States.—The transmissions of the Smithsonian Institution are regulated, in a mea- sure, by the time when the annual volume of Smithsonian Contribu- tions is completed. One or two months before this time, a circular letter of advice is transmitted to all the institutions and individuals in the United States and the Canadas known or supposed to have a desire to avail themselves of the facilities of the Smithsonian sys- tem of exchanges, and the conditions stated upon which parcels will be received. If any society or individual have published a work likely to be of interest to the scientific and literary world abroad, and no indication is given of an intention to distribute copies, a special application is made for them, and no effort left untried to secure to the foreign investigators the benefit of all original and useful Ameri- can material. Such appeals are generally responded to very favor- ably, and very many publications of the different bureaus of the gov- ernment, of States, and of State agricultural and historical institutions, of societies, and of individuals, have thus been obtained.
In nearly all cases, in the first instance, at least, the Smithsonian Institution is called on to furnish lists of suitable foreign recipients for the publications just referred to, or the volumes are sent in bulk, to be addressed here. After the first sending, the exchange is usually more directly between the parties corresponding, the Institution pre- ferring to have the parcels properly addressed before forwarding to Washington. In all cases great care is taken to secure the credit of the donation to the proper party, and to prevent it being supposed to come directly from the Institution.
To facilitate the selection of suitable recipients for donations or ex- changes, the Institution publishes once in two years a carefully pre- pared list of foreign institutions for general distribution. The last one issued contains over 570 names, but manuscript additions bring
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY. 45
the number up to about 700. The list of individuals is nearly as large as that of institutions.
To facilitate the selection of recipients for particular works, of which a limited number of copies only may be available for distribution, classified lists of institutions are kept, as of academies of science gene- rally, and of societies devoted to special subjects, as geography, ge- ology, zoology, botany, ethnology, statistics, &c., and these are ar- ranged from No. t upwards, in the order of relative importance, or of equable distribution among the centres of learning; thus six copies of any work on hand would be assigned to the first six names on the list of institutions most interested in it.
The parcels, as reccived from the different portions of North Amer- ica, are placed, after being addressed, (if not so already,) in their ap- propriate receptacles, and the list entered specifically in a record book. To facilitate such entry, a detailed invoice of each transmission is re- quired, and the failure to furnish it puts the institution to the great trouble of making it from the books themselves.
When the parcels have all been received, a list of the different do- nors is printed, together with the titles of the various works which the institution has for distribution at the time. On the day assigned for commencing the labor of making up the packages, the binns are emptied successively, the contents arranged carefully on the counters, so as to bring everything for one address together, the Smithsonian donations are added, and each particular piece is checked off in the printed blank just referred to. This rough invoice is numbered and handed to the packers, who make up the volumes into one or more bundles, and mark them with the number of the invoice, by which means they are easily identified and labelled. When parcels or books are addressed to individuals, these are usually inclosed in the bundles of the societies to which they belong, the number and addresses of such sub-packages being marked on the rough invoices. A correct copy is made of these lists, and forwarded by mail or otherwise to the par- ties, in which is also stated the nature and time of the transmission. These invoices are finally posted, to the debit of the party addressed, in a large ledger, which shows what each has had, and what return has been made to the Institution. The record of each package is, therefore, made four times.
In sending the invoice of the package for each address, a circular is added explaining the objects of the transmission, and the conditions on which the exchange will be continued.
The time occupied in invoicing and making up the packages varies with the occasion, although a month is usually required to finish the work. After the bundles are all made up, those for each agent are brought into one heap, and they are then packed into boxes, a check list being kept of the numbers placed in each box.
There are three principal agents in Europe who have charge of the Smithsonian exchanges in their respective regions: Dr. Felix Fliigel, resident in Leipsic, has charge of continental Europe, with the ex- ception of France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, (which are supplied by Hector Bossange, of Paris,) and of Greece and Turkey. Henry Stevens, of London, is agent for Great Britain and Ireland. Greece
46 REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
and Turkey are usually reached through the American minister at Constantinople and the consul at Alexandria. Most of the points in Asia and Africa are supplied through the Presbyterian Board of For- eign ‘Missions in New York, and the American Board in Boston, Australia through Mr. I. W. Raymond, of New York, and South America through a variety of channels.
The boxes for the agents above mentioned, containing the different parcels, are then sent from the Institution ; those for Dr. Fligel being shipped from Baltimore, through Oelrichs & Liirman, direct to Bre- men, thence by railroad to Leipsic. The boxes for Messrs. Bossange and Stevens are shipped by packet froin New York.
The governments of Europe to whose ports shipments are made by the Institution have all authorized their admission free of duty, on filing an invoice with the customs authorities some time in advance of the arrival of the boxes. After being received by the agents, these boxes are unpacked, and the different parcels distributed to their desti- nation through the channels selected by the intended recipients, accom- panied by circular advices from the agents. In Germany the parcels are usually transmitted through the booksellers of Leipsic, as they may have occasion to send to correspondents in the various towns.
Hechanges from foreign countries for America.—The system of ope- rations in this case is similar in principle to that just described, although the steps take placein inverse order. The packages are sent to the agents of the Institution, who inclose them in boxes, which are forwarded monthly, or oftener. On being received in Washington they are unpacked, an entry made of their contents, and the parcels placed temporarily in the binns assigned to their respective addresses. They are then assorted, those for each party made up into one bundle, and thus forwarded, by express or otherwise, accompanied by a blank receipt, which is to be signed and returned.
MUSEUM. A.—ZIncrease of the Museum.
The collections in natural history received during the year 1857 have been of great extent, and embrace many important additions to the material on hand for extending the knowledge of the animal, vegetable, and mineral productions of America. The specimens received have been from the usual variety of sources; the most im- portant being, as heretofore, those brought in by the different govern- ment expeditions, as follows: ;
1. Survey of the northwestern boundary line, Archibald Campbell, esq., commissioner.—The expedition left in April, 1857, for Puget Sound, and during the year had its main camp for the most part at Simeahmoo bay, near the mouth of Frazer’s river.. Large collections of the animals and plants of the Sound have been made by Dr. Ken- nerly, surgeon and naturalist of the expedition; and of minerals and fossils by Mr. George Gibbs, the geologist.
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY. 4T
2. Exploration of the Black Hills and Loup Fork, under Lieutenant G. K. Warren, U. S. _A.—Lieutenant Warren made his third visit to the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone region, accompanied, as on pre- vious expeditions, by Dr. Hayden as geologist and naturalist. Very large collections in all branches of natural history were made and brought home, tending, in great measure, to complete our knowledge of the distribution of species over the high plains of the west.
3. Wagen road to Bridger’s Pass, under Lieutenant I’. T. Bryan, U. §8. A.— During his second year’s work on this road to Utah Territory, Lieutenant Bryan, as before, was accompanied by Mr. Wm. 8. Wood, who continued and completed the collections of the preceding year, in securing many species not previously obtained. Dr. Wm. A. Ham- mond, U. 8. A., who accompanied the party as surgeon, also made a separate and independent collection of much interest, not only on the route, but while stationed at Fort Riley. In this he was for a time assisted by Mr. J. Xantus de Vesey.
4. Wagon road to California via South Pass, under Wm. M. Ma- graw.—This party, accompanied by Dr. James G. Cooper, as surgeon and naturalist, aided by C. Drexler, reached Fort Laramie during the autumn. The collections in all departments were large and import- ant, and were accompanied by copious notes on the species observed.
5. Survey of the southern boundary of Kansas, under Lieutenant Colonel Johnston, U. S. A.—A valuable collection of specimens in alcohol was made during the survey by J. H. Clark, esq., astron- omer of the expedition.
6. Survey of the Isthmus of Darien, under Lieutenant N. Michler, U. S. A.—This expedition, accompanied by Mr. A. Schott and Messrs. Wm. 8. and Charles Wood, sailed for Carthagena in October, pro- ceeding thence to the isthmus. While at Carthagena a collection of birds and shells was made and sent to Washington, and others are on their way.
Among government expeditions fitted out in 1857, but from which no collections have yet been received, are the following:
7. Wagon road route to California via El Paso and Fort Yuma, under Colonel Leech.—This expedition was accompanied by Dr. McCay and Mr. Hays, both of whom were prepared to make collections in natural history.
8. Exploration of the La Plata and its tributaries, under Captain Page, U. S.N.—Christopher Wood doing duty as zoological collector.
9. Artesian well expedition, on the Llano Estacado, under Captain Pope, U. S, A.—This is the third expedition to the sterile regions of western Texas, conducted by Captain Pope.
48 REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
10. ELxploration of the Colorado river, under Lieutenant J. C. Ives. This expedition started in September, accompanied by Dr. J. S. Newberry, surgeon and geologist, and H. B. Méllhausen, artist and - zoologist. Several collections made by these gentlemen about San Diego are on their way, but have not yet been received.
The more important private explorations from which specimens have been received are as follows:
11. Region around Fort Tejon, California, by J. Xantus de Vesey.— The collections made by Mr. Vesey will compare favorably with any obtained under government auspices, and embrace complete series of the animals and plants of the vicinity of Fort Tejon, as far as met with ; they also include quite a number of new species.
12. Southern Illinois and Northern Red river, by Rk. Kennicott.—Mr. Kennicott, under a commission from the Northwestern University, at Evanston, Ulinois, to procure for its museum a collection of specimens of the natural history of the northwest, visited southern [linois in the spring, and after exploring the vicinity of Cairo and New Madrid for several months, proceeded to the Red river of the North, within the British possessions, and nearly to Lake Winipeg. The collections made cover all branches of zoology.
13. Coast of Florida, by G. Wurdemann, United States Coast Survey.—Mr. Wurdemann’s collections were in continuation of those of previous years, and included a great variety of species, among them several birds new to the fauna of the United States.
14. Red river of the North and of Nelson’s river, H. B. Territory, by Donald Gunn, esqg.—A large collection of birds and mammals made in these regions by Mr. Gunn, assisted by Mr. John Isbister, have added much to our knowledge of the distribution of species.
A collection of about 150 species of birds of Arctic America, Mexico, and Guatemala, presented by John Gould, esq., of London, has fur- nished very important data for comparison and determination of species of the United States.
Of the numerous other collections made it is impossible to give an account here. The detailed list of contributions and donations will, however, furnish additional information on the subject.
In conclusion it may be proper to state, that of the government expe- ditions mentioned above, that under Mr. Campbell was organized by the State Department ; those under Lieutenant Warren, Lieutenant Bryan, Colonel Johnston, Captain Pope, and Lieutenant Ives, by the War Department ; those under Mr. Magraw and Mr. Leech, by the De- partment of the Interior; and those under Captain Page and Lieu- tenant Michler, by the Navy Department.
In the reception of collections trom the California coast, the Institu- tion is ander great obligations to the California Mail Steamship Line, composed of the United States Mail Steamship Company, the
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY. 49
Panama Railroad Company, and the Pacific Steamship Company, as also to Messrs. Wells, Fargo, Co., for free transportation of very many boxes and packages. The expense of what has been thus received, if charged for at the usual rate, would have been entirely beyond the means of the Institution, and if in an unprecedentedly short time our knowledge of the natural history of California has been carried to a point fully equal to that of any of the older States, it is unquestionably owing in very great measure to the liberality of the companies above mentioned in so generously seconding the efforts of the Institution.
The following table exhibits the additions made to the vecord books of the museum in 1857, in continuation of previous years :
1851. 1852. 1853. 1854. | 1855. 1856. | 1857. Con a a None 114 198} 351] 1,200] 2,046) 3,200 VEL og et RN lle eh eee 4 BABB tie 8 lee Bey | 4,353 | 4,425] 5,855 | 8,766 Skeletons and skulls. . 911 1,074 1,190 1,275 2,050 | 3,060; 3,340 entitles. Bost -u2ue janeons Co peU AL qe el ee < ato tefl Bol ae 106 239 Lh ee Se eres | Se ee a as ete erate jae ee Ste eee 155 | 613
Present condition of the museum.
The remarks in the last annual report of the Institution in relation to the richness and extent of its collections are strengthened by the additions of the past year, and they are confidently believed to be beyond competition in the field of American zoology. The precise statistics cannot now be given for the different classes and orders, as the cataloguing is not yet completed. In one department, however, some idea of the facts may be realized by the statement, that on the first of July, 1857, the Institution possessed—
Species. Of skins or alcoholic specimens of North American mammals.......eeeese ecoe 205 Of skins or alcoholic specimens of South American mammals...+-..eseeeeeees 18 Of skins or alcoholic specimens of European mammals.......+ cecsccce coeee 60
— 283 Of skulls or skeletons of North American mammals...ceessceeeseerece ecrcccee 221 Of skulls or skeletons of South American mammals.....ceescceccersecccereseee 17 Of skulls or skeletons of European mammals. ......ceeeseccsceccereccccres see 48
— 2&6
This was entirely exclusive of Cetacea, Pinnipedia, Cheiroptera and Quadrumana, of which there were many species. Since the first of July, the number of species of all orders has received a large increase. The species of North American mammals in the museum of the In- stitution, not mentioned in the great work of Audubon and Bachman, exceeds 80. Of birds, the North American species are believed to ex- ceed 600; of reptiles, 400; of fishes, probably 800 or more. As all these classes are in process of elaboration, accurate statistics can probably be presented in the next report.
As
50 REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
Work done in the museum.
The systematic registration of the Smithsonian collections has been carried on as rapidly as other duties would admit. The number of species labeled and entered during the year amounted to 5,271; most of them in three different series of records, making nearly 15,000 entries. It may be proper to state that all collections, as received, are entered in a general record book, of which the alphabetical list of donations ap- pended to this report is a transcript. The different specimens are next labeled and then entered on the record for the class, or particular order, and from this posted in a ledger consisting of separate sheets, one for each species, systematically arranged, and each sheet contain- ing an enumeration of all the specimens of its species, with the lo- calities, sex, date, measurements and other memoranda, making the third time of writing out the name and statistics. In this way not only can information be obtained of the number of species of each class or order, but also of the separate specimens, with the locality and gen- eral character of each one. The posting up is complete for the mam- mals, birds, and osteoclogical specimens, and well under way for the reptiles and fishes, and some orders of invertebrates.
During the past year the general report on the mammals of the Smithsonian collection has been completed and printed, forming volume VIII of the Report of the Pacific Railroad Survey. That on the birds is far advanced, and will be finished in the course of the ensuing year, which will also, it is hoped, witness the completion of reports on the reptiles and fishes.
Distribution and use of the Smithsonian collections.
As in previous years, the Smithsonian specimens have been freely used by students and investigators in natural history, in preparation of Monographs and other researches. Duplicates have also been dis- tributed to a considerable extent, and as the collections become better arranged and other circumstances allow, it is hoped to make such distribution on a very extensive scale,
Inst of Donations during the year 1857.
C. Bellmann.—Fishes, &c., in alcohol, from Mississippi.
J.and A. Brakeley.—Fresh deer and otter from Virginia; jar of birds, mammals and reptiles from the Alleghenies of Virginia.
J. Mason Brown.—Cast of the skull of Daniel Boone, taken previous to the re-interment of his remains.
Lieutenant I’. T. Bryan, U. S. A.—Three boxes of zoological spe- cimens collected by William 8. Wood on the wagon-road expedition from Fort Riley to Bridger’s Pass.
Archibaid Campbell.—One box of dried skins, and one chest of alco- holic specimens collected on Puget Sound by Dr. Kennerly, on the northwest boundary survey. ;
J. H. Clark.—Chest with two cans filled with reptiles, fishes and
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY. 51
mammals in alcéhol; specimens of salt from the salt plains of the Pewsa, on the southern boundary of Kansas.
Mr. Cook.—Copper ores from Arizona.
Dr. J. G. Cooper.—Collections made near Fort Laramie, and thence to Independence ; four bottles of Salamanders from New Jersey ; one hundred skins of birds from California and Washington Territory.
LL. Coulon.—Box of Swiss mammals.
Dr. 8S. Wylie Crawford, U. S. A.—Thirty-two jars of reptiles and mammals from Texas and New Mexico.
Benjamin Cross.—Golden eagle in the flesh (length 36} inches ; extent, 86 inches ; wing, 25 inches.)
J. P. Cunningham.—Box of Kaolin earth from Virginia.
John Day.—Snake from Virginia.
T. OC. Downie.—Coluber couperi and Geomys pinetis, in alcohol, from Georgia.
CO. Drexler.—Skins of six birds and three mammals from near Phil- adelphia.
Dr. J. Evans.—Ten boxes and one bundle of collections of geological survey of Oregon; skins and skull of felis concolor (panther ;) six skulls of Flathead Indians, from Oregon.
James Fairie.—25 skins of Lepus aquaticus (marsh hare) and Sczurus ludovicianus (Fox squirrel;) birds, reptiles in alcohol, from Louisiana.
A, B. Forbes.—Viviparous fish (Hnnichthys megalops) from Cal- ifornia.
Professor C. G. Forshey.—Cast skin of Scotophis, and skin of mouse, from Texas; specimens of supposed equine fossil foot-marks ; jar of alcoholic specimens ; skins of serpents; dried plants ; skin of Ocelot and of Raccoons from Fayette county, Texas.
W. H. Gantt, M. D.—Infusorial earth from Texas.
O. E. Garrison.—Six packages Infusorial earth ; skins of Putorius richardsonit and Spermophilus 13-lineatus from Minnesota.
Dr. W. Gesner.—Jar of Geomys pinetis and Arvicola ; mammals and reptiles in alcohol; two jars of mammals from Georgia.
George Gibbs.—Box and barrel containing skeleton of large shark, from Port Townsend, W. T.; keg of fishes, from Puget Sound; keg ‘of fishes from Columbia river.
Dr. J. B. Gilpin.—Skins of mammals from Nova Scotia; fifteen skins of Putorius and Sciurus from Labrador and Nova Scotia; jar with 12 mammals, in alcohol, from Nova Scotia.
W. R. Goodman.—Diatomaceous earth from Anne Arundel county, Maryland.
John Gould.—160 skins of birds of Mexico and Guatemala; skins of humming birds, (Campylopterus delattrii, Trochilus heteropogon and Eriopus lucvani;) skins of Apternus hirsutus and arcticus.
Donald Gunn.—Skins of mammals and birds; skeletons; speci- mens in alcohol from Red river. Skeletons of male and female wolverine from Red river, H. B. T.
Dr. W. A. Hammond, U.S, A.—Box of skins of birds and mam- mals from Kansas. Chest and two cans of zoological specimens
collected during Lieut. Bryan’s wagon-road expedition to Bridger’s Pass.
52 REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
Dr, W. A. Hammond and J. X. de Vesey.—Skins of twenty-four birds and of two prairie wolves from Kansas.
Dr. EL. W. Harker.—Skin of Salamander (Geomys pinetis?) from Georgia.
F. V. Hayden.—Six boxes of fossils collected in the Upper Mis- souri prior to 1856.
C. J, Heistand.—Specimens in alcohol of squirrels, moles, &c., from Pennsylvania.
— Dr. BE. W. Hilgard.—Specimen of Carocolla from Spain.
John S. Hittel—Human skulls and bones encrusted in stalagmite, from a cave in Calaveras county, Cal.
Col. Hoffman, U. 8S. A.—Concretions from Cannon-Ball river, Ne- braska.
B. A, Hoopes.—Can of Menobranchus and small mammals from Lake Superior.
Robert Howell.—Two cans of mammals, in alcohol, from Tioga county, N. Y.
Lieut. J. C. Ives, U. 8S. A.—F¥ossil Dendrechinus excentricus, Point Lobas, Cal.; miscellaneous fossils from California; fossils from Gatun, N. G.—all collected by Dr. J. 8. Newberry.
Dr. R. W. Jeffrey, U. S. N.—Collection of fishes of Norfolk.
Col. EL. B, Jewett.—Reptiles from Texas.
Dr. C. B. Kennerly.—Jar of mammals in alcohol, and skins of Sciurus cinereus, from Clark county, Va.
Robt. Kennicott.—Six boxes zoological collections made in southern Illinois, and in Minnesota to Lake Winipeg. (Deposited.) Gopher (Geomys bursarius) from Illinois; thirty skins of Arvicola and Sorex from Illinois ; two living squirrels, (Sciwrus ludovicianus.)
Major Jno, Leconte.—Astacus latimanus from Georgia.
J. MacMinn.-—Skins of five mammals from Pennsylvania.
Wm. M. Magraw.—Box of skins of birds and mammals; plants from Independence; three boxes zoological collections, plants, &c., gathered between Fort Leavenworth and Fort Laramie during the South Pass wagon-road expedition. Collected by Dr. J. G. Cooper.
Geo. P. Marsh.—Minerals from Europe.
C. C. Martin.—Keg of reptiles, fish and mammals, from Pennsyl- vania and New York.
W. Massenburn.—Collections of serpents and crustacea from Florida,
Maximilian Prinz Von Wied.—Wild boar (Sus scrofa) from Ger- many, and skins of chamois (Capella rupricapra) and of female ibex (Capra ibex) from Mont Blanc.
Dr. HE. Michener.—Mounted original of Emberiza townsendiu. (De- posited.)
D. Miller, jr.—Thirty small mammals, in alcohol, from Pennsyl- vania,
Robt. O. Milton.—Box of fossils from Michigan.
H. B, Méllhausen.—Skin of head and skull, with horns, of Eu- ropean stag, (Cervus elaphus.)
W. E. Moore.—Skins of monkeys from Bolivia
Henry Moores.—Star fishes from California, (Deposited.)
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY. 53
H. WM. Neisler.—Shells, reptiles, fishes, &c., in alcohol, from Georgia.
Dr. J. S. Newberry.—Box of shells, Acapulco ; specimens of coals
from Ohio.
New Orleans Academy of Sciences.—Skin of pouched rat (Geomys pinetis) from Florida.
B. M. Norman.—Three living turtles from New Orleans, (Zmy mobilensis ?)
B. F. Odell.—Mammals and reptiles from near Lake Winnibigosh- - ish, Minnesota.
John Oliphant.—Falco sparverius, in flesh, from Maryland.
Capt. T. J. Page, U. S. N.—Two packages of maté and six bottles of water from the Rio Negro and Mato Grosso.
Dr. D. W. C. Peters.—Skins, birds, and mammals; reptiles and fishes, in alcohol, from New Mexico.
Thos. M. Peters.—Bottle of reptiles; skin of Abastor erythrogram- mus from Alabama.
Prof. Poey.—Two living Emys decussata; living boa or maja, (Epicrates angulifer ;) collection of reptiles, in alcohol, from Cuba.
J. P. Postell.—Two living Gophers, (Zestudo polyphemus ;) skull of Geomys pinetis ; box of shells, and other invertebrata, from Georgia.
John Potts.—Skins of Bassaris astuta, Putorius frenatus and Didel- phys californica, from tue city of Mexico.
Francis B. Ray.—Bottle containing Ophibolus eximius from Mis- souri.
E. Raymond.—Fossil wood from Neuse river, North Carolina.
J. W. Raymond.—Skin of white raccoon from North Carolina, and of Bassaris astuta from California.
Peter Reid.—Fresh water sponge, in alcohol, from near Lake Champlain.
Rev. Jos. Rowell.—Monkeys and other mammals, fishes, &c., in alcohol.
H. de Saussure.—Four bats, Sorex alpinus, Myoxus glis, Mus sylvati- cus, and musculus, and Arvicola nivalis from the St. Gothard, Switzer- land ; other small mammals of Switzerland.
S. H. Scudder.—Can of mammals, in alcohol; box of insects from Massachusetts.
Lieut. Semmes, U. S. N.—Syenite from North Greenland.
J. D. Sergeant.—Jar of mammals from Pennsylvania.
James Shoemaker.—Snakes and fishes from Roanoke county, Va.
Col. Wm. B. Slaughter.—Peat from Wisconsin.
J. Stauffer.—Can of mammals, in alcohol, from Pennsylvania.
J. J. Steenstrup, Director of Zoological Museum, Copenhagen.—Six jars of invertebrates from Greenland
J. H. Sternberg.—Four turtles ; two boxes of shells, and of reptiles and invertebrates, in alcohol; box of living plants from Isthmus of Panama.
William Stimpson.—Two kegs and numerous jars of marine inver- tebrates and fishes from Massachusetts; living marine animals for aquarium.
Dr. George Suckley.—Hunters’ skin of elk and of mountain goat,
54 REPORT OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
Aplocerus montanus, from Washington Territory; box of birds from California; skins of mammals, birds; fishes, shells, minerals, and Indian relics, from Washington Territory; box with skins of mam- mals and birds; plants, &c., from Steilacoom ; box of birds, shells, &c., Port Townsend.
A. S. Taylor.—Jar of vertebrates and crabs from California; Cali- fornia minerals.
Mr. Tufts. —Uiving actinia and other marine animals for aquarium.
Colonel A. Vaughan.—Skins of Vespertilio noctivagans and novebo- racensis from Yellowstone river.
J, X. de Vesey and Dr. W. A. Hammond, U. S. A.—Skins of birds and mammals from Kansas.
Dr. DS. Wall, U. S. A. Skull of Indian and fragments of pot- tery from a mound near Fort Capron, Florida; skins of birds; skin of manatee, or sea-cow, and of Lynx; also two birds from Florida,
William D. Wallach. —Copper ores and native copper from Bay- field, Wisconsin.
Robert B, Waller.—Bottle of Cyprinodonts from Alabama.
Ineutenant G. K. Warren.—Two boxes fossils from Blackbird Hill, collected by Dr. F. V. Hayden; collections made by Dr. F. V. Hay- den during the exploration of the Black hills in 1857, consisting of 5 boxes zoological specimens; 21 boxes fossils and plants, &ec.
C. W. Welch.—Troupial (Icterus vulgaris) from Laguayra.
D. Welch.—Menobranchus maculatus from Lake Champlain.
Samuel Wheat.—lLiving black snake (Scotophis allegheniensis) from Ohio.
Mr. Wheeler.—Storeria dekayi from Washington.
Thomas Whelpley —Ffossils from Michigan.
Dr, D, D. Whitehurst.—Box of specimens and cask of fishes, &c., in alcohol, from Gulf of Mexico; specimens of fishes (crustacea) from Tortugas.
Dr. S. W. Wilson.—Four living alligators from Georgia ; skeleton and skins of otter and deer; skins of Lepus palustris ; 24 small mam- mals, in alcohol, from Georgia.
Dr. C. F. Winslow.—Box of lavas from Sandwich Islands; fossil bones from California. (Deposited.)
W. 8S. Wood.—Bald eagle, Haliaetus leucocephalus, mounted ; mam- mals, in alcohol, from Philadelphia.
C. Wright.—Jar mammals and reptiles from Connecticut ; fishes from Cuba, said to be viviparous ; jars of reptiles, fishes, and inver- tebrates from Cuba.
G. Wiirdemann.—Box of invertebrates and skins of birds from In- dian Key, Florida; box of bird skins from south Florida; box of birds, crustacea, corals, &c., from Key Biscayne, Florida.
Tue Younglove. —Bottle of blind fish, (Amblyopsis,) taken in a well in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Unknown.—Box iron ores, St. Louis, Missouri.
Hesperomys cognatus, in alcohol. Hammerhead shark from Norfolk. Living raccoon and great horned owl.
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVERS.
55
LIST OF METEOROLOGICAL STATIONS AND OBSERVERS
FOR THE YEAR 1857.
BRITISH AMERICA.
Name of observer. Station. N. lat. |W. long.| Height Qa 7 1) i Fee. Bakers ¢ Os. Sscu hase ac -- Stanbridge, Canada Hast....-- 45 08 | 73 00 Grape rs W Sih ones aes Hamilton, Canada West.-...- 43,15. |) 79-5 Delany, jrv; John .-=-.:==- Colonial Building, St. John’s,| 47 35 52 38 Newfoundland. Gunn) Donald fs. 26 2s 22 Red river Settlement, Hudson’s} 50 06 | 97 00 853 Bay Territory. alle Dr, Archibald). ..—=- Montreal, Canada East...-... 45 30 | 73 36 57 Hensley, Rev. J. M_-..---- King’s College, Windsor, Nova) 44 59 64 07 200 Scotia. Magnetic Observatory------ Toronto, Canada West ------- 43 39°) 79 21 108 Smallwood, Dr. Charles--.-| St. Martin, Isle Jesus, Canada| 45 32 (Bair 118 Kast. “SINZ)OC ty Pate EA pa Horton, Nova Scotia -......--| 45 06 | 64 25 95 MAINE. Name of observer. Station. County. N. lat. |W. long.| Height. Or Ont? Feet. pel sonny) 22% 24. ae2 Carmel -.c8esc= Penobscot -.<.-- 44 47 | 69 00 175 Dang ow. 2) eeeacs3- Peryissseceeees Washington ----| 45 00) 67 06 100 Gardiner, R, H.=...2- Gardiner ...<=<- Kennebec)..22te 44 11| 69 46 90 Gupull, GYwW-=-. 22s. Comishville,s242|)/ Mork spa se=— 43 40 | 70 44 | 800 Barker, J.) 2 25-\-24. Steuben'.--24<2 Washington ....| 44 44 | 67 58 50 West, puas!2s) 2222.5 Oomishess2. 422 Morks osaeeeens 43 40 | 170 44 | 784 Walker Henry 225552 Portland: Ss 3-222 Cumberland ..--| 43 39 | 70 15 | 87 Wilbur, Benj. F....-- Monson). 5. - = - Piscataquis ..--- 43 11 69 35 NEW HAMPSHIRE. Bell, Samuel N-.....- Manchester--.--- Hillsborough.-..| 42 59 | 71 28 | 300 Ji tod 0 7ee/: a & ees oe Francestown..--| Hillsborough -.-| 42 59 | 71 45 | Brown, B. Gould - ---- Stratford .....-- OOOS82 22a atau 2 4408; 71 34 1,000 Freeman, F. N._----- Claremont.....- Sullivaneise2 2 43 29 72 22 | 535 Hanscam, R. F_....-- North Barnstead_| Belknap...-..-- AS 2Be PL Bye | Mackie Onsen oa. Londonderry----} Rockingham_..-| 42 53 | 71 20 | Odell, Fletcher.....-.-. Shelburn-- =~... Coosseeeeesece 44 23 71 06 700 Prescott, Dr. Wm ---.| Concord....-.-- Mermmaci 2 == 43 12 71 29 | 374 Purmort, Nath......- West Enfield..--| Grafton ........ 43 30 | 72 00 | Root, Dr. Martin N.--| Francestown..--.| Hillsborough---- 300} 71 46 | Great Falls ----. Strafford ......- ASPs |. 0.52 ahi E...| Concord]. lees Merrimack... --- 43 12 | 71 20 |
56
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVERS.
VERMONT. Name of observer. Station. County. N. lat. |W. long. | Height. Qe! Onn Feet. Bliss iGeorreses=..- - Shelburn see Chittenden _...- 44 23 | 73 00 150 Bliss vir Witenes. oes West Fairlee__--| Orange......... | 43 55 | 72 15 Buckland, David .-...- Brandongesseee = Rutlands==ess 2. 43 45 73 00 Fairbanks, Franklin ..| St. Johnsbury..-| Caledonia ....--! 44 25 |} 72 00 540 Marsh, Charles..._..- Woodstock ..... Windsor 5222=<c 43 36 72 35 716 spycam ary Ate ys eae Norwich, 222 soa2 Wan dSonroceseers 43 42 72 20 Paddock, James A-...| Craftsbury...-.- Orleanpysoeese- | 44 40] 72 30 1,100 banker, Josenhij-os25- Rapeniee es seca Bennington. .... eee 15 fey Aut 750 Petty; McKi2 204. ee] eburnling ton] ss Chittenden .-...| 44 29 amie 346 . MASSACHUSETTS. Bacon, William ...... Richmond <--4-~|} Berkshire 2.2... 42 23} 73 20 1,190 Bonde Prota Were oee Cambridge._.... Middlesex ...... 42,22 | 71 UT 71 Brooks, John ......-- Princeton 2..--- Worcester ....- NO 42 285), Tl Gone weLLs Daring! Arse ees Bridgewater -.--{ Plymouth .....- 42 00 | 71 00 142 Davis, Rev. Emerson_-| Westfield......- Hampden ...... 42 06 | 72 48 1 SIGS Be 1 Rees se ae @antonssee= ence Nornollata=.=2- 42 12 71 08 | 90 allan hones a= se Lawrence......- issexce ee ee 2 ee 42 42 Cie din 35 Holcomb, Amasa....- Southwick .~....- Hampden..=.=.- 42 02 | 72 10 265 i pe oletede "7777 | | Williamstown...) Berkshire....... 42 43| 73 13 720 Metcalf, Jno. G., M. D.; Mendon -...---- Worcester -....- 42 06 12, 33 Mitchell, Hon. Wm... | Nantucket....-. Nantucket ..... 41 16 70 06 30 Perking) Dre HeiCre ee Newbunyponh sos) Hssexeseoese. 42 47 | 70 52 46 HieewHenty sss. se North Attleboro’.} Bristol .--...... AL 59°) 71 22 175 Rodman, Samuel .._-- New Bedford==—=|| Brstolisss-c2 >= 41 39 70 56 90 Sargent, John S22... 2 Worcester .....- Worcester. .-- 22 42 16 71 48 | 536 Schlegel, Albert....._ Taunton) Seo ce. Bristol ose sess. 41 49 | 71 09 Shaw, Francis..--...- Plainfield......- Hampshire ..... 42 30 | 72 56 | Snaith: oH see ae IBOStOnme see eee UO KE ce see 42 22) ©7103 sell, Prot gmises2 5+ — Amberst...222 2323 Hampshire .---- 42 22 | 72 34 267 Tirrell, Dr. N. Quincy. | Weymouth ...-- INonole sue saat 42 10] 71 00 150 Whitcomb, L. F...--- Hlorida, ss2auue2 Berkshire ...... 42 42 3 10 2,500 RHODE ISLAND. Caswell, Prof. A_...-- Providence ..... Providence ....- 41 49 71 25 120 CONNECTICUT. Edwards, Rev. T., D.D.| New London..-.. New London....| 41 21 72 12 90 Harrison, Benj. F..-.. Wallingford -.... New Haven.--.- 41 26 72 50 133 oll; Aaron Bees. oo Georgetown -=<_| Hairfield’ 22. 222- 41 15 73 00 300 Hunt Dae eee iPomifret= so. 2 =< | "Wanda 22 oo. 5 41 52 ae, 596 Rankin, James...-..- Saybrook .....-- ' Middlesex -....- £118 || “72 20 10 Scholfield Noses. — === INOEWICH Soa .525 New London....| 41 32 | 72 03 50 Yeomans, William H.-| Columbia._._._- fe holl and ee sree 41 42 | 72 16 |
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVERS. 57
NEW YORK. Name of observer. Station. County. N. lat. |W. long. | Height. Oy 7 oP Feet. Biba Dri Bi Mes’. . 22. Angelica... sss Alleghany . -.--| 42 15 | 78 01 1,500 Arden, Thomas B.--.-- RE VETLY) < cetee Rutmam: 2 s2ees- 41 22 72 12 180 Bowman, John..-....-. Baldwinsville .-.| Onondaga --..-- 43 04 | 76 41 Byram, Ephraim N~. --| Sag Harbor. ---- Suffolk. 2-322 33 41 00 | 72 20 40 Chickering, J. W-..-.-- OV at; Eee eee SENCCA-<=seaeee 42 41] 76 52 800 Dayton, \HcA~ =. ==. Madridin ss 226. St. Lawrence....| 44 43 | .75 33 280 Denning, William H--| Fishkill Landing.| Dutchess -.....- 41 34 | 74 18 42 Mer Cae ell f Rochester’. cae. Monroe oes eae 43 08 | 77 51 516 Fellows, Henry B-.-.- Sennett -..-...-- Cay a aso Se 3) 00) |) iiees Erench, John R.....- Wexicog=2— 25: Oswero'g == 55 --< 43 27 | 76 14 423 ATOPTON hss oa 2 wet Westfarms._...- Westchester --.-| 40 53 74 O1 150 Greene, Prof. Dascom..| Troy..........- Rensselaer... =. - 42 44 | 73 3 58 Geaest-(Wphl 42). 22. Ogdensburgh . _.| St. Lawrence--.-| 44 43 | 75 26 House, J. Carroll.....- Lowville. .....- Lewis! so te 43 46 | 75 38 House, John. C. .....- Waterford . ....| Saratoga ......- 42 47 73 39 Mawell Rs. -=-..<2, Nicholls....-_-. NOE = tg 3 42 00 | 76 32 * Ingalls, S. Marshall...) Pompey - -.-... Onondaga -..... 42 56 76 05 1,745 Johnson, E. W.....-. Canton . -ze42 St. Lawrence....| 44 38 fa15 304 Landon, Anna §...... Biden 27355 ooo 4 WEIe 2 2 42 30 79 07 700 Lefferts, John.-...... 1sy3 ee ae Seneca = oo. cee 42 37 76. 53 1,000 Malcolm, Wm. S----- Oswero — —- eco Osyrero\ =... sa. 43 28 | 77 34 232 Morehouse, A. W-_---- Spencertown . -.| Columbia...-_-. 42 19 | 73 41 800 Morris, Prof. 0. W.-.-| New York-..... News York. - = 40 43 74 05 159 WGEDON: Jegela es o5 . Soe Plainville) £0 Onondaga .....- 43 00 (it fem is iFaine. He N., MD) o=.|) Clinton. .ss6- Oneida~ 47 ee 43 00 | 75 20 500 Pernot, Prof. Claudius.| Fordham ...---- Westchester _...| 40 54 74 03 147 Reed, Edwar.l C.....- Homer. socsene4 Cortland: 22225. 42 3 76 11 1,100 neds Peter: -a-.ccam Waals anaes Washington.....| 43°15 | 73 33 Riker, Walter H_-..-- Saratoga ...--.- Saratoga ....... 43 06 | 74 00 960 Sanger, Dr. W. W..--- Blackwell’s Isl’d.| New York_----- 40 45 | 73 57 29 Sartwell, Dr. H. P....| Penn Yan...<=; R01) 2 ee 42 42 (ree Aa! 740 Dbecrsr Hey Mie oi 2s Wellsville . ....| Alleghany -..... 42 07 78 06 1,480 Sias, Prof. Solomon..-.| Fort Edward....| Washington --..| 43 13 73 42 Smith, J. Metcalf. .... McGrawville....| Cortland ....... 42 34 76 11 1, 450 Spooner, Stillman ....| Wampsville..._.| Madison.......- 43 04 75 50 500 Taylors sos. W......- Plattsburgh... .. Chintone= 2254 2s6 44 40 73 26 156 Titus, Henry Wm.---| Bellport ....-..- Sufolkis=ss=2""" 40 44 | 72 54 ourrelione re hy A -|\ Utes, <2 22. 2-22 Graz Ne 43 07 75.05 500 Van Kleek, Rev. R..D_| Flatbush-.......| Kimgs.........- 40 37 74 O1 54 White, Aaron. = == Cazenovia ~....- Madison 22 -— 2--- 42 55 75 46 1, 260 Williams, Dr. P. O._-_}| Watertown ____. Jefferson ..--..- 43 56 75 55 Wilson, Rev. W. D___-| Geneva -_-.__.- Ontario 2: 22222 42 53 77 02 567 Woodward, Lewis -...| West Concord_..| Erie .......---- 43 00 79 00 2,000 Yale, Walter D......- Houseville =fe2 =|) Lewis. <:2-2< 2222 43 40 15 32 Zaeptiiel, Tis.... «----| West Morrisania | Westchester ....| 40 53 74 01 150 NEW JERSEY. Cooke, Robert L.----- Bloomfield >= - =| Hesse ee. 40 49 | 74 11 120 Schmidt, Dr. E. R-..-| Burlington .....| Burlington ....- 40 00 | 75 12 | 26 Sergeant, John T_..-- Sergeantsville.-.| Hunterdon ...-- 40 29 AR UE: tee e eis t Kreehold:s2s- 2-2 Monmouth .....| 40 15 / 74 21 Whitehead, W. A....| Newark - ....-- ese ee ot 40 45 | 74 10 30
58 METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVERS.
PENNSYLVANIA. Name of observer. Station. County. N. lat. |W. long.| Height. oa rail Feet. Brown, Samuel_.--.-- Bedford 22222 2= Bedtord 22.222" 40 01 78 30 Baird, Jonnie.) Tarentum _-...- Alleghany -..--- 40 37 79 19 950 Brickenstein, H. A----| Nazareth -. ---- Northampton .--| 40 43 |] 75 21 Brugger, Samuel .---- Hleming = sss" Centre: -.--=---- AO VSS | ioe 780 Coffin, Selden, J-.---- Hastoneecce se Northampton.--| 40 43 TOMLG 320 Comily; Johnoes--— 22 By beriye= see eae Philadelphia----| 40 06 | 74 58 Darlington, Fenelon --} Pocopson -- .--- Chester Sees 22 39) 547) 9°75 ST 218 Edwards, Joseph.--.-. Chromedale -..-| Deiaware.---.-- 39 55 75 25 196 Begert, John oo-5-<= Berwicksss2see. Columbia. -.-.-- 41 05 76 15 588 iniell: Pores sascha ee Shamokin ------ Northumberland.; 40 45 76 31 700 Hance, Ebenezer -.-.-- Morrisville 2. --- Buickssss222s2 05 40 12 74 53 30 Heisely, Dr. John ~.--| Harrisburg ----- Danphinesssec—— 40 16 | 76 50 ickoke Wee Oerecma Harrisburg ----- Dauphin 40 16 | 76 55 Hoffer, Mary H.------ Mount Joy --.-- laneaster-sess52 40 08 76 70 Jacobs, Rev. M.-.--.-- Gettysburg .---- Ndamsiasascesnc BOL eHiNS James, Prof. Charles §..| Lewisburg --.--- Union 2222/5522 40 58 76 58 Kirkpatrick, Prof. J. A.| Philadelphia --.-| Philadelphia...) 39 57 UL 60 Kohler, Edward__.--- North Whitehall | Lehigh_--.-.---- 40 40 | 75 26 250 Martin, William------ Pitishurcesssoo 2 Alleghany.-.--. 40 3 80 00 Mowry, George.------ POMersetaee == Somersebeeese 40 02 79 02 2,180 Ralston, Rev. J. Grier-| Norristown ----- Montgomery..--| 40 08 oma 153 Schreiner, Francis ..-.| Moss Grove. ---- Crawiorda2s. fee 41 40 79 5L Smith, Prof. Wm----- Canonsburg..--- Washington ----| 40 25] 80 07 936 Smyser, Rev. B. R..--| Pottsville.-__.-.- Schuylkill.----- 40 41 76 09 Stewart, Thos. B. ---.| Murrysville ...-- Westmoreland -.| 40 28 | 79 385 960 Swit Ds. eau sae West Haverford_| Delaware. .-.--- 40 00 75 21 Minekstime eh 2) Meadville ~....- Crawford! 2 41 39} 80 11 1,088 Walson, Prof: Wi. C222.) "Carlisles2222 22 2- Cumberland -.--| 40 12 Titer 500 Walson, We Wiese -ace Piutsbure sees oo Alleghany ------ 40 32 80 02 1,026 DELAWARE.
Pee ae eset | Newanle aves New Castle....- 39 38 | 75 47 120 Martins Are ..-—=- Milford) = ee eens See etnies 39) O55 Zia 25 MARYLAND.
Baer, Miss"H. M_.=322 Shellman Hills--} Carroll---.....- 39 23\) Gor 700
Cofrau Wy. Wasa. see Oakland! =)222= 22 Alleghany ...--- 39 40 | 79 00 Goodman, Wm. R-.--.-| Annapolis ------ Anne Arundel_--| 38 58 | 76 29 20 Hanshew, Henry E..--| Frederick ----.- Frederick -...-- 39 24 | 77 18 Lowndes, Benj. O-.---- Bladensburg -..-] Prince George---| 38 57 76 58 Mayer, Prof. Alfred_-.-} Baltimore -...-- baltimore = - .- =< 39 18 76 37 Pearce, James A., jr.--| Chestertown ....| Kent -........- 39 14 76 02 Stages DG ooweosen- Ridgessa--a¢ 226 St. Mary’s.....- 38 05 | 76 18 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Smithsonian Institu- | Washington ee Washington ----| 38 53 | 177 01 | 30
tion.
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVERS. 59
VIRGINIA. Name of observer. Station. County. N. lat. | W. long.| Height. | le) ear 12 et | Feet Astrop, Col. R. F. - --| Crichton’s Store.| Brunswick....-- 36 40 | 77 46 500 Couch, Samuel-_----.- Ashland ~~ 32<22- Rutnam, =) ase 3o).38 |. Sl bf Dickinson, George C--| Rougemont ..-.. Albemarle - ...-| 38 05 | 78 21 450 millis, Col, 2D! Hi... 4t @rack Whip o.c|\Handy...5. 22282 39 30 | 78 31 1750 Fauntleroy, H. H.---- Montrose...---- Westmoreland --| 38 07 | 76 54 200 Fraser, James:----<-. Mustapha ....-.- Wood. sits 255 39 20 | 81 41 Hallowell, Benjamin --} Alexandria -..-. Alexandria ...-- 38 48 77 01 56 Hon, Josiah W---.2o- iWartiC: iz ssoae Winds 2. aaa 39 05 81 26 Hotchkiss, Jed......- Mossy Creek_..-| Augusta - ------ 38 20 79 05 Johnson, Enoch D.---| Sisterville ---.-- TVVET" 22 n = siete 39 34] 80 56 540 Kendall, James E .---} Charleston..--.-- Jefferson ......-| 38 20 81 21 Kownslar, Miss Ellen -| Berryville --..-- @lark.2> Ssees= 39 09°; 78 00 575 Marvin, John W..--.- Winchester .~.-.| Frederick .....- 39 15 78 10 Offutt, J. J., M. D--.-| Capon Bridge...| Hampshire --..- 39 16 | 78.29 Patton, Thomas, M. D.| Lewisburg------ Greenbrier ----- 38 00 | 80 00 2,000 Purdie.ohn. K-21 Smithfield...--- Isle of Wight.--| 36 50] 76 41 100 Ruftin, Julian C...-.- Ruthven)ssss..- Prince George-.-| 37 21] 77 33 Ruffner, David L_-..- Kanawha. -..-.-- Kanawhaesceenn 88 53 81 25 Slaven, James_...----- Meadow Dale .--| Highland .--.-- 38°23 | 79°35 Upshaw, George W.--| Rose Hill-.....- SSEX joy Ss syed 38 00 | 76 57 250 Webster, Prof. N B --.|} Portsmouth----. Nonfolk, je2eeee 386 50 76 19 34. Wells, J. Carson--...- SAleMes aos ats Roanoke —s-<+i-- 39 20] 80 Ol 1,100 Wickline, Thomas J --| Longwood.-..-. Rockbridge ---.. aia. 30) | aida 800 NORTH CAROLINA. Johnson, Dr. W. M-.--| Warrenton - wae Warren oo- o2 se 36 30 78 15 McDowell, Rey. A----| Murfreesboro’...| Hertford -.....- 36 30 77 06 MeDowell, W. W ..--| Asheville...-..- Buncombe-....- 35 37 | 82 29 2,250 Moore, Geo! F!; M. D-.| Gaston. .2.22--2 Northampton .--| 36 32 77 45 Morelle, Daniel... --- Goldshoro? + 223|) Waynesees a 22" SONEAO Raines Phillips, Rev. Jas., D. D} Chapel Hill...-- Oranges. S22222 aD 64) 19° 17 SOUTH CAROLINA. Cornish, ola eles a = AGO ys 35 oy sca Barnwell 22 226- 33 32 81 34 565 Dawson, John L., M. D.| Charleston.....- Charleston.....- '32 46] 80 00 Edisto Island .~--| Colleton....---- 32 34} 80 18 23 eee NM. Mount Pleasant -} Laurens_------- 32 47 | 79 55 Glennie, Rev. Alex’r..| Waccaman-.....- A Saints eee 33.40) 19.17 20 Johnson, Joseph, M. D | Charleston... -- Charleston.._.-- 32 46 | 80 00 30 NOUN a Aa. De Sole Cam dena son Kershaw) o-sace-ioe 17 ||, 80.33 275 GEHORGIA. Anderson, Jas , M. D -| The Rock -.....- Wpsomy os. cee 32 52 | 84 23 833 ArmmoldeMrst ws Lees AG LON = lalate PRO yer rot ahs) 2a 33 07 84 26 Haste, Prof.,John D-.|,Athens ... .-2-\@lerke:_....=..- 33 58 83 80 850 GIDSOn hn econesone Whitemarsh Is’d.| Savannah ...... 32 04 | 81 05 18
60 METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVERS.
GEORGIA—Continued.
ka Name of observer. Station. County. N. lat. | W. long.| Height. ON Ce Feet. Glover; MIS 25.222 Hillsboro? S25 2/52 Jasperteo. Jt Bose 33 U3" \- 183945 566 Haines, William.._..- AUGUStA,. <acsse Richmond . -...| 33 20 | 81 54 1,470 Pendleton, E. M.,M.D.| Sparta -.......- Haneock 222 5e2 33 17 | (83709 550 Rosey, Jobn f=. .=22. Pavannalal gece oe Chatham 222 222 32 05 81 07 42 Reid, James M 2....2- Philomath....-. Oglethorpe .----| 33 45 | 83 15 repeat aystoyahs 18). 4D, ae Factory Mills ...| Wilkes.....--.- 33 40 84 46 FLORIDA. Bailey, James B._.--- Gainesville -__-. Alachuwese..-5* 29 35 82 26 184 Baldwin, A. G., M. D-| Jacksonville __..| Duval--.-....-. 30 30 82 00 13 Batchelder, F. L...--- EIDeRM ae =e eee Divas ess oa 2 30 15 81 30 15 Dennis, Wi. C) 22.22 Salt Ponds...--- Keys Wiest sos 24 33] 81 48 Fry, Joseph...-.--- Hester, Lieut. J. Pensacola eases. Bscampide-.. ee. 30 20 87 16 12 Wie URES aN sae Ives, Edward R ....-- Allipatoreeee eee Columbia s22 ae SOP UZ) Boe. on 174 Mauran, P. B., M. D-.| St. Augustine.__| St. John’s..-..- 29 48 | 81 35 8 Steele, Judge Aug.-.-| Cedar Keys...-- heyy SSosesrsee8 29 07 3 02 12 Whitner, Benj. F...-- Belair eee s ee Heoniases2e 5.22 30 24 | 84 20 70 ALABAMA. ATison, Ho gin MM. Dae iCarlowvilles sao- Dallas seesene2 32 10 Siglo | 300 Barker, Thomas M.-..-| Ashville - .....- St, Clair... a2her BB iy 86 20 Darby, Prot. John = 4>-|eAuburnja2e-cee- Macon 55-22 32 37 85 34 821 Tutwiler, Henry--.--- Greene Springs.-| Greene.......-- 32 50 | 87 46 Waller, Robert B. ~..-| Greensboro’. -_--- Greene _ = .22 Je 382 40°} 87 34 350 MISSISSIPPI. | Elliott, Prof. J. Boyd_-| Port Gibson_-~-- Claiborne #-.--- SL S098 rae. © on Lull, James 822.2528 Columbus ....-- Rowntles 2/2025 33 30 | 88 29 | 227 | LOUISIANA. Barton, Driyh Ef; o— =| New Orleans-=—-|) Onleams 222 /c=-0 29 57 90 00 Kilpatrick, A. R., M. D.| Trinity---...-.. Chatahoula --_--- 31 30 | 91 46 108 Merrill, Edward, M.D.) Trinity.....-..- Chatahoulaees-= Bil Boll 91 47 68 57} 90) 00
Taylor, lewes BX=-<-- New Orleans--- .| Orleans! --e see 29 |
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVERS,
61
TEXAS. * Name of observer. Station. County. N. lat. | W. long! Height. eae One! Feet. A Goliadess 2s shes% I Goliad = s2ss4ee" 28 30 | 97 15 50 oka C- | Helena__...---- Karnes.....---- 29 00 | 97 56 600 Barked. ling 225.258 New Wied..-.-.. Comal, 352252222 29 42 98 15 Horke, Ave Sih ekt 53 ke MicdrickiOte__. t New Braumfels_.| Comal .......-- 29 41 98 15 Gantt, Dr. Wm. H..--| Union Hill...... Washington ----| 30 3 96 31 540 Jennings, 8. K.,M.D. aa iTate ie f Most: - 222-2 iPrayin’=-22- oes 30 20| 97 46 650 Rucker, B: Hists= --1% Washington ....| Washington ----| 30 26 | 96 15 TENNESSEE. Bean; James B.. ...-=—- WalnutiGrove-=-|)Greene==-=—=—- | 36 00 | 82 53 1,350 Stewart, Prof. Wm. M-| Glenwood --.---- Montgomery. ---| 36 28 | 87 13 481 Tockway.J., M. D--..| Memphis ...<=4- Shelbyt-c-...--= 35 08 | 90 00 | 262 Wrieht, Dri Dani! H..| Memphis. ..2<--- DNCLDY < ses seeee | 35 08 | 90 00 262 KENTUCKY. | | ar 40 Peat Gee ss Danville 5222203 Bayle Peet aie 37 40 | 84 30 950 Ray, L. G., M. D- ---- Part Soe) eea vee | Bourbon .......| 38 16 | 84 07 810 Savage, Rev. Geo. §.--| Millersburg----- Bongpon’= 2-22. | 38 20| 84 20 804 Young, Mrs. Lawrence-| Springdale - is Jefferson ---...- | 38 07 | 85 34 570 } | OHIO. AbeHeRBa 2s noc cans Welchfield . ...-| Geauga -... ..-. 41 23 | 81 12 Daas: Allen, Prof. Geo. N..-.| Oberlin .... -.-. Loraine? 2 3.i<-- 41 20 | 82 15 800 ATmnipn. ips e a ea== = Ripleys <a ss <ie0% BOW aes ease 38 47 83 31 Anthony, Newton ----| Mount Union ---} Stark -.....--.- 41 20 | 81 Ol Atkins, Rev. DS ..=-- Madison ~ ..-._ Pakexsste2 228. 41 49 | 81 10 Penner, Jo hess aeoe New Lisbon -...| Columbiana -.-.-) 40 45 80 46 Bennett, Henry ...--- Collmpwood 222 |"bucas~s 2.2252" 41 49 | 83 34 Prcers, Je 8 22.522. Germantown....| Montgomery ----| 39 39 | 84 11 Bosworth, Prof. R. S--| College Hill ....| Hamilton -- ---- 39 19 | 84 25 800 Cunningham, Miss A.-| Unionville...... Takesasoh 2222 41 52 81 00 650 Dayton, Lewis M.-.-.-.- Lancaster .. --.- Wairfield'2/2- 22 39 40 | 82 40 Gilmor, Moses-----.--.- Jackson. >= - Jackson) = o2oso 39910 | 82 32 666 Hannaford, Ebenezer-.| Cheviot -....--- Hamilton) aes 39 07 | 84 34 Harper, George W-.---| Cincinnati.-...- Hamilton .. ..-- 39 06 | 84 27 150 Herrick, James D--.--- Jetierson-.-5-=- Ashtabula. -_..- 42 00 81 00 Hollenbeck, F. & D. K.| Perrysburg ...-- Wieodeeeseco25 41 39 | 83 40 Holston, J. G. F., M. D.| Zanesville -..... Muskingum ....| 39.58 | 82 01 700 Hurt, hrancis W.-=.- Cincinnati . ....| Hamilton......- 39 06 84 34 Hyde, Gustavus A__-.| Cleveland ------ Cuyahoga .-...- 41 30 | 81 40 665 Ingram, John, M. D.--| Savannah ---- -- Ashlindies 2 —s—— 41 12 | 82 381 Janes, (C. (Crore cance Hillsborough . -.| Highland. iuther: ‘6: Maes. SS. Hirani sos eee Rormasess s5252- 41°20" 8115 675
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVERS.
OH1IO—Continued.
? Name of observer. Station. County. N. lat. | W. long.| Height. 2 Feet. Mathews, Joseph McD.| Hillsborough - -.| Highland..-..-- 13 |} 83 1,000 MeCarty, HD S5.- 22 | West Bedford ---| Coshocton .....- 18 | 82 876 Peck, W. B., M. D.---| Bowling Green _.| Wood.......--- 271 $B 700 IPO; JAMES Elsa amon Portsmouth. .-.. NCIOLOe seeeee oe 50 82 468 Ropers eA bs. Sano mae Gallipolis .- ---- Gee rye es ip 00 | 82 520 Sanford, Prof. S. N.-.-| Granville.-=...- ticking» ssssee—e 03 | 82 995 Sanford, Smith......- \wEdinburssss2o—5 Borbacelea= see 20 | 81 520 Schenck, W. L, M.D.) Franklin .__..-- Warren ....._-- 30 | 84 Shaw, Joseph ---..--- | Bellefontaine . -.| Logan ........- 21) 83 1,031 Shaw, Joseph ......-- RICHEY sme nea Shelbyess ese 21] 84 ‘Suan ere aie t Bellecentre ...-- LOHAN. « cocnieck s 28 | 83 1,170 Treat, Samuel W- .---| Windham -....- Portagees. 2... 105) 28k Ward; in He Sees eee eMedinarss.=22.2 Medina 2.2 ses. 07 81 1, 206 Williams, Prof. M. G--}| Urbana .... ...- Champaign --_.- 06 | 83 1,015 MICHIGAN. Allen, James 22. --- Rorbeevuron esa StClaire sean a Zi laps) |e te 606 Andrews, Seth L., M.D.’ Romeo..--. ~..- Macombi 2. <2. 244 | 83 730 Campbell, Wm.M.,M.D. Battle Creek ~---| Calhoun-_--.--- 20 | 85 750 Crosbyiid.- Boles see ss New Bufialo----- iBermiente os ese" 45 | 86 600 Currier, Alfred O.-.-. Grandunaple ste) MMenibee aa lama 300 | 86 752 Sireng, ld; Hos22 Seo 5 Grand™hapids=, | ent=<on-=-- = 00 | 86 852 Walker, Mrs.OctaviaC. Cooper..-- --.-- Kalamazoo-.---- 40 85 ¢ Whelpley, Miss H -..- Monroe -..- ---- Mi lionroe, <2 ae 56 | 83 590 Wihite, (Peters s=—s— Marquette --...- Marquette -...-- 5 32 87 630 Whittlesey, Chas. S.-. Copper Falls .---] Houghton -..-.- 25 | 88 1, 230 Winchell, Prof. A ~...) Ann Arbor-_----- Washtenaw. ---- 16 83 8$1 Woodruff, Lum --.-..-.- Ann Arbor...--- Washtenaw. ---- 16 | 83 850 INDIANA, Barnes, (Clea. aac meee New Albany... -|sHloydo--- -.-j..4 ie 85 Chappellsmith, John..| New Harmony --| Posey.-..--.. ...- 08 87 320 Crisp, John 2—.- so. Evansville --.-.- Vanderburgh. ..- 08 | 87 390 Lasselle, Charles B....| Logansport. ....| Cass-..... ----- 45 | 86 600 Moore, Joseph. -....-. Richmond -....- Wayne .ceeseu= 9 47) 84 800 Smith, Hamilton --..- Cannelton -....- ROLLY w= ===) (Sao 58 | 86 450 Woodard, C.8.....-- Michigan City.-.| La Porte.--.--.. 41 | 86 622 ILLINOIS. Babcock, Andrew J..-| Aurora..---....- Kane ic. spaces 40 | 88 600 Babcock) ) Heese 1 i ee MeHenry— 2 2p mice 08 | 88 & 650 Baker, Wrankoe-. -—n- South Pass...... Union oa a —eeeee 28 | 89 Bowman, Dr. E. H---| Edgington ...-.- Rock Island..--- 25 | 90 Brendel, Fred’k, M.D-.| Peoria.......... Peoraes ss = aoe 36 | 89 ; Eldredge, William V--| Brighton. .....-| Macoupin......- 00 | 90
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVERS,
ILLINOIS—Continued.
63
% Name of observer. Station. County. N. lat. |W. long.| Height. ON Ooi! Feet. Grant, Johnis.s2 .-.2 Manchester -s2-34//Scott_...... 82228 39 33} 90 34 683 Be WJOCNss ke sae Athens=.=- Seo: Menard..ss. 3228 39 52 89 56 Barris, J. O.,M. D-<-| Ottawa... ---=- ba Salle. cose 41 20 88 47 500 scox, Gan 2s. 32a @hicavo..=.225¢ Cooks... 5.33223 41 53 87 41 600 James, Anna :.=-.--=- Upper Alton -..-| Madison ...-...- 39 00 89 36 HeMkIns. J.lices o-28|Granvilles 23. Rutnam,...n22e 41 14 89 21 Mead. 5) basi) se) Aupustas.......- Hancock =<. =... 40 12 | 89 45 200 Mead, Thompson-....- BAbAVI1A <2 ou5= Mane =.= << 41 52 | 88 20 636 iblot: Jj Ebe 26s 588 Bekin s24s.o oes Pazewell.iccs 46 40 3 89 45 Rogers, ©; PL .cs Jee Marengo... 222522 McHenry... .. 23 42 14 88 38 650 Smith, Isaac H.....=- | Fremont Centre | Lake....... =... 42 i8 88 06 736 Swain, John, M. D- --| West Urbana..--| Champaign. -.--| 40 09 | .88 17 550 Titze, Henry A=...-=-- | West Salem-_--_.- Edwards ...---.| 38 30] 88 00 Wallace, Samuel Jacob.| Carthage. .....- Waencock.- os.s45 40.23 | 90 17 Whitaker, Benjamin --| Warsaw.... ---- Hancock = 222s 40 20 | 91 31 MISSOURI, Wislizenus, A., M. D. | Be. Louise ee2Se St. sLouisssss. 5 38 37 | 90 16 | 461 IOWA. ce Lanta ace Buchanan .. -..- 42 45 | 87 16 Beeman, Carlisle D---} Rossville - --..-- Allamakee .....- 43 10 Seva 1,400 Bory .John C..s<s= == wbellevtleesaa =a Jackson=<=s-s== 42 15 | 90 25 Goss, William K-..... Border Plains....| Webster ........ 42 36 94 05 Sobart, Edward F.---; Maquoketa . _.--| Jackson..-. .... 42 04 | 90 41 Hom Asa, MDs... =. Dubuque =s=22=- DPubuques=2o.== 42 30 90 52 1, 258 McConnell, Townsend.| Pleasant Plain.--.| Jefferson.......- 41 07 91 54 McCready, Daniel ...-| Fort Madison..-.| Lee-..........-. 40 37 91 28 ParkeryNathanrdes2.| Clintonic.-. coo Chnton= 2.2222 41 48 90 15 [EET Rg) lets Cah see ee Muscatine -...-. Muscatine ...... 41 26 91 05 586 Reynolds; W.--- <<. Iowa City..-.... JOHNSON. 55225 = 41 39 S133 pamilles Dr Jmoc see | wioux. City-2oc2 <= Woodbury -..-.- 42 31 | 96 25 Sbater, J: M., M.D_..| Pairfield:--.:..- Jeterson.. ...--- 41 01 Sian 940 Smith, Prof, B. Wilson| Mount Vernon.-_-| Linn.....-...-- 42 00 91 00 WISCONSIN.
> 4 cao. cag Waukesha. -.-..- Waukesha -..... 42 50 | 88 ll 833 Breed, J. Everett.__-- New London.-.-.| Waupacca .....- 44 21] 88 45 Chandler, Marine T.W.| Falls of St. Croix.| Polk. ........-- 45 30 | 92 40 660 Durham, (Wisden couc Racine <6 sseeeee Racine 4 je sao 25+ 42 49 87 40 Ellis, Edwin....---.- Bays@ity 2222 see Lar Pointe: 222 -/5 46 33 | 91 00 658 Gridley, Rev. John .--| Kenosha ....... Kenositti. . 2-00 42 35) 87 50 600 Hillier, Spencer L.---- Prescott2. 22222 PICkCe Ss 2a aes 44 56 92 40 800 Himoe, John E,.....- Norway 2.2222 Racine’..-= =... 42 50 | 88 10 753
64 METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVERS.
WISCONSIN—Countinued.
Name of observer. Station. County. N. lat. |W. long.| Height. O50 ae Feet, Lapham, Increase A...| Milwaukie-....- Milwaukie. 45) 03y| /8ieai 593 haps; Jacobye2=- —- == Manitowoc ..--- Manitowoc ----- 44 07 | 87 37 ‘Wason, Prof. sRWZ: = 52 Appleton. ..--5- Outagamie.....- 44 10 | 88 35 800 Pickard, J. L., M. D--| Platteville... Grant= 355.586 42 45 91 00 Pomeroy, HC... 22 Milwaukie--.--- Milwaukie-...-- 43 04 | 87 59 658 Porter, Prof. Wm.---. Beloituss 25.28 10 eee ae 42°30 | 89 04 750 Schine: A. Me Ds. 23 Madison...-...- DANE i ajnantomtoee AZ: 05:_|. 89025 892 Sterling, Prof. J. W.--| Madison_-.---.-- DEMO iars ose ae 43 05 | 89 25 892 Struthers, Havele - =e Hind sossa=se9 Waupacca ..-..- 44 20 | 89 00 Underwood, Col. D.---| Menasha ...--.- Winnebago -.--- 4413} 88 18 Winkler, C., M. D----| Milwaukie_--.-- Milwaukie...... 43 04 | 87 57 5938 Walllard), J. 22.228 Janesville ...... RoGk,...- Sssse=e 42 42 | 89 91 768 MINNESOTA. Garnson,, Obie) iPrmcetones ace BeNLON ose5 =-25 45 50} 93 45 | Hillier, Spencer Ui:=-—= Wabashaw.----- Wabashaw...-.-- 44 30 | 92 15 850 Odell, Rey. Benj; He e2) Lake Winnibi-s|2- S22 22-5. ooo 47 30 | 94 40 goshish. Ripge Shien sse esos Heizlewoodtmerncimeser int see cee 45 95 30 | Walsh, Stephen_-_-.-- BUCHANAN ase a see ea ateraeree 47 33 92 00 Winteht wives sero JG}2H osha a Ss es Pembina -..-2-- 46 10 | 96 00 850 NEBRASKA. Byers Wim, Nese osos=| Omahanoo.-. 2-2 = Douglas: os-s—4< 4115 | 96 10 Hamilton, William-.--|} Bellevue .------ | Shia ea 41 08 | 95 50 KANSAS. Brown. GoW asses | Lawrence.....-- Douglass easeae | 38 58 | 95 12 800 Fish, Edmund---.----- | Council City ~---| Shawnee -...-.. | 38 42 | 95 50 Goodnow, Isaac T.---- | Manhattan ----- Rileyreeaseseas S 39 13 96 45 Himoe; S ©:,,M. D: <2) Mapleton==2=--— Bommbony=——-<o= 38 04 94 51 MeCarty, “EL Dest =.= | Leavenworth City| Leavenworth ~ 39 20 94 33 1, 342
UTAH:
Phelps, Henry H.-.--- Greatisalt’ Lakers sce. lene sases 40 45 | 111 26 4,250 City.
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVERS. 65
CALIFORNIA. Name of observer. Station. County. N. lat. |W. long. | Height. an ae Feet. Ayres, W. O., M. D..--| San Francisco_--| San Francisco-.-| 37 48 | 122 23 115 Belcher, W. C.-.=.--- Marysville.....- Wubarec eee 39 12 | 121 42 Logan, Thos. M., M.D.| Sacramento....-.| Sacramento. ----| 38 35 | 121 40 49 GUATEMALA. CANUDUS, ANTONIO COLLEGE. SOUTH AMERICA. Name of Observer. Station. Lat. Lon. Height. oo ars Cyt i Feet. Hondlery AR iw csee seas Colonia Tovar, Venezuela ......- 10 26 67 20 6, 500 Geological Surveyors.---| Port of Spain, Trinidad.-------- 10 39 | 61 34 16 Henmng ON do Scones Plantation, Catharina Sophia, Colony of Surinam, Dutch Gui- BMA rotcvcinid cesta pa cineraiaje ane aas 5 48 | 56 47 Uricoschea, Dr. E._...-- Bogota, New Granada_...----.-. 436, %4 14 8,863 BERMUDA. Arnold, James B.....-.- Shelby Bay. ott -cseccerceth ee 32 28 64 32 MOVANGAZGLLG See ates clace ne ce anaes eee aa enw AZORES. Dabney, Ss Wie aaaeen2s = Honta,Wsyal Islands —-.-..-0.-. 38 30 | 28 42 80
5s
66 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
The Executive Committee respectfully submit to the Board of Re- gents the following report of the receipts and expenditures of the Smithsonian Institution during the year 1857, with estimates for the
year 1858 : RECEIPTS.
The whole amount of Smithson’s bequest deposited in the treasury of the United States is $515,169, from which an annual income, at 6 per cent., is derived, of
Extra fund from unexpended income invested as
follows : In $75,000 Indiana 5 per cent. bonds, ol CHIVAS ORS Semple sameeren sa ee $3,750 00 In $53,000 Virginia 6 per cent. bonds, ViClGiNE'.,..s-nacsouseea se Haun nerve vclee ae 3,210 00 In $7,000 Tennessee 6 per cent. bonds, yielding PET OAT ee Le tere 420 00 In an Georgia 6 per cent. bonds, yield- eeaeu ines ebes sildthueicn sacs odtSatereomeernuetes 30 00 lee “$100 Washington 6 per cent. bonds, VCCI AG.) Wats dupase cannes ecesrisvsasseeasnce ee 6 00
Balance in hands of Treasurer Janu- Papal esis [er ce anew einebias exes venahitan er ena scis eisinn@esiesoine
Total Tecerpts...dc...cteses Pate Ly MOR Rae aectbias
GENERAL STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES.
For building, furniture, and fixtures....... $4,062 65 For items common to the different objects
Gi ee TMStILUDLON.. scvsecstccsueaccnte scams 13,035 18 For publications, researches, and lectures, 11,051 52 For library, museum, and gallery of art.. 6,999 81
Balance in the hands of the Treasurer January 1, 1858, of which $5,000 belongs to the extra fund.
$30,910 14
7,416 00
38,326 14 7,164 32
or
£45,490 46
$35,149 16
10,341 30
—_—_
=
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, Statement in detail of the expenditures during 1857 :
BUILDING, FURNITURE, FIXTURES, ETC.
Repairs, &c., incident to building......... « ot $8,305: 12 Furniture and fixtures for uses in common. 313 61 Furniture and fixtures for library .......... 163 50 Furniture and fixtures for museum......... 150 80 Magnetic Observatory.........scscasorrscscsess 49 62 I See ee 20 00 GENERAL EXPENSES.
Meetings of Board and Committees......... $281 00 Lighting and heating.........ccccccscosessesees 1,244 33 We NEMN Saleh dead Panes «p's cwowrctsine obo udsiviin toh 2 524 02 Transportation and exchange.............+6. 2,264 74 PEE Yc. accupt pre dy aus xe es ive sanas vacda ct th 347 94 eR ELINA 5a 5 sy sign ic go siets dees 4 ovine oan 236 50 MMMM NTI a osig sian ay's 12 <9 sich dup adbeadn a deed ie 191 66 HGRA TE EI AG ice din dy deed 2p cmipinagisnae iced 341 38 Salary of the Secretary .......s0...2..seecseeee 3,499 92
Chapt: clarks, j..,..assacsesenensiaes 1,200 00
Book-keeper ....vsxssussadesctews 200 00
AAOD 5. lass ccscadsep aescde ve 400 97
Wratchmen 5..5.26ccdims + essaden 534 65
ENO ERED a9 ini de Ghinsabinualan dante 794 00
Messenger 56.6 <i ehans «ice ceenxs 128 00 Piast clerks hike cis oss o:ins ssadumescdensagaaeaen 222 00 Incidentals, general.........ssecsccsssescecsaves 624 07
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES.
Smithsonian Contributions...........ssceseeee $6,230 02 Reports on progress of knowledge............ 342 00 Dither pablications ......0c.s00- sesvescrestocness 649 90 CME UGIOLY ccvasiwseebiorene tera tah oiteved soles 2,465 24 Investigations, computations, and _ re-
SOND ooo wanna eee thoes wie ee gare nose 250 00 PPG ICCLUTCLS. coctc.canstenctesecssconsesescess 980 00 Incidentals to lectures......scccececscssesccetee -134 36
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. CGREROE DOOKB.) i356 .0s+<.-20c0sceresnueMeuenees » ©) $2,019 83 pEay Of assistantacs.*......->-nsnenaetbaaubeags 1,194 12 Transportation for library.............0 nee 200 00
SLAC Yiveceivescnccscassascccsvacn dosent 1993, 92
67
$4,062 65
13,035 18:
11,051 52
68 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
Explorationg,.).s.ansssevkteunceeears enue. $57 52 WOTICCtIOTB coe recs ens ce bes sais speieneeelien sae auea 49 78 Alcohol, jars, and museum incidentals..... 445 77 Transportation for MUSeUM. ............ee0eee 450 00 Assistance and labor in museum ............ . 500 00 Gallery 208 AT thd. ES ic6 sa» sninaheenee meeps decsiies 82 87
nae $6,999 81
Total Ex pendibare 2... o.cccscacsvcespsas€acacteenes te leccitee $35,149 16
The estimated income for the year 1857 was $38,290 14, exclusive of the balance in the hands of the Treasurer; the actual income ex- clusive of this balance was $38,326 14.
The estimated expenditure amounted to $34,000, the actual ex- penditure to $35,149 16. The excess is due to unexpected repairs, necessary to the building in consequence of a very severe hail storm, which broke several thousand panes of glass, and otherwise injured the edifice ; and to the payment of the last unsettled account contracted by the architect for the gas pipes and fixtures.
The expenditures, however, are less than the income for the year, leaving a total balance now in the hands of the Treasurer of $10,341 30. Of this sum, $5,000 are the remainder of the extra fund, ($125,000,) intended to be permanently invested, and the whole is at present re- _ quired for carrying on the operations of the Institution, until the receipt of the next semi-annual income.
During the past year, the stocks purchased by the Institution tem- porarily declined in commercial value, but they are now selling at _ about the same prices as those at which they were bought. Fluctua- tions, however, of this character do not affect the income of the Insti- tution, since the amount of interest continues permanently the same.
The committee respectfully submit the following estimate of the “receipts and expenditures for the year 1858:
Receipts.
_ Balance in the hands of the Treasurer January 1, 1858, (exclusive of $5,000 belonging to the extra fund)...... $5,341 30 Interest on the original fund for 1858...............eceeeeees 30,910 14 : Interest on the extra fund invested in State stocks......... 7,416 00 $43,667 44
Expenditures. BUILDING, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES, ETC.
* Repairs and incidentals......c...1ss:cesseeeee ss $1,500 00
Furniture and fixtures in common.....,....... 500 00
“ Pe Stor libtarysieuvscstere 150 00
“ ys) for MUSEU, aces need 150 00
Magnetic Observatory.....ccssscessccesesssecosees 50 00
ons 9850000
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
GENERAL EXPENSES.
Meetings of Board and committees ............ $300 Paemtine and ‘heatimgs. 6: .sccateicevsvedeelectee 600 cura kaise Segesensasons deditddaieddsicecdvsee 500 Transportation and exchange........seseccseees 2,500 Penna, SST RR casas dbses ps cos <deascccestns 350 Serial PINAL Adis ciecisscsdecstesccsesese 350 TU MPIADUI det detain geet ected scecccseescascedecades 250 BM RRMNRIAE. YP eoawanadceececeesvesdécacascssceess 400 PROGrereaie, POCTICLAL 2. oe. idee caste scccscee ses 650 Sal ariGes— Secretary .......-..seceseceoscecsscsses 3,500 White! clarke: 3.00.08. eS. 1,400 omlkWeeper S02... sch cedcosese care =< 200 PME Meares corded atettees stn aecess ows 400 WV bE LUNAS A VE ies eesti ebikeats 500 Wiborene: ve. oH eee eens 800 Beenrelerk hirer, 0 iste ds eo 300
00
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES AND LECTURES.
Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge... $6,500 00 PO SMUMIEM Oh. casceevcdnessecectasnes Betencgeretea 1,500 00 PP MHEr MEDMCATIONS.......02scisecevasecaccccesaccss 1,000 00 ee mrnrensery ea. Ue ak ete Taeee 3,000 00 Investigations, computations, and researches 250 00 SEE a sa eae 1,000 00 LIBRARY, MUSEUM AND GALLERY OF ART. sperm Ret =. ocesevcnsaacactees Meecetanaes sds $3,000 00 Pay of assistants in library.........0...ssss0ee0 1,200 00 Dransportavion for Library .......00c.sssecaseseae 400 00 Bncidentats for UDrary......c.0c.cecconoseccsscceas 150 00 MRIS —BALATY .<. 000 deca cescae-caseacs tose caaget shies UAE MPMEAMAELIAQUIS . ..5..22<aseduevcdcasdsecas<adeasasneds 50 00 MMRRIIIO «25... canto geben aed dle dxcames scudace ss 50 00 Incidentals, museum, jars, alcohol, &c....... 300 00 WESUSPOLtAtiON, MUSCUMI......0.00csicseseesesere 550 00 Assistants and labor, museum...........ceceeee 600 00 RT BEE sin vais «4 sic stale Wage de su caceare cles 100 00
69
$13,000 00
13,250 00
8,400 00
$37,000 00
It is impossible to make a very definite estimate of the expendi- tures on account of the museum, during the year 1858, because the
70 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
collection at the Patent Office is to be transferred to the keeping of the Institution, and the amount of expenditures under this head will depend upon the appropriation made by Congress for this purpose. In conclusion, the committee report that they have examined the books, and each account for the past year, separately, and find them all correct. Respectfully submitted. J. A. PEARCE, A. D. BACHE, JOS. G. TOTTEN, Kaxecutive Committee.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, tl
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE.
The building of the Smithsonian Institution having been completed, the special object of the Building Committee for which it was originally appointed, might be considered accomplished, and therefore an annual report no longer necessary ; but as a large portion of the edifice re- mained unfinished, and since repairs are required which will probably be very expensive, it is thought proper that the committee should be continued.
At the last session of Congress an appropriation of fifteen thousand dollars was made for cases for the accommodation of the collections belonging to government. These are now finished and form a beauti- ful addition to the large hall, and are apparently well adapted to the purpose for which they are intended. With strict economy the appro- priation of Congress has been found sufficient to provide accommoda- tions for the present reception of the articles, though in the course of time additional cases will be required.
The west wing of the building, devoted to the library, has been furnished with alcoves and a gallery extending around three sides of the large room. This arrangement, which will serve very much to increase the accommodation and security of the books, produces a very pleasing architectural effect.
The large cisterns in the grounds near the building, which were directed to be arched over at the last session of the Board, have been properly secured, and one of them converted into an ice-house.
The balance of a bill for gas fixtures, which had been contracted by the architect, and which remained unsettled, on account of a disagree- ment as to certain charges, has been finally paid, after a reduction of $352 99.
The peculiar style of architecture of the building, and the large amount of surface it exposes to the weather, renders constant repairs necessary. During the past year almost the whole time of two work- men has been occupied in this service.
Respectfully submitted.
RICHARD RUSH,
WM. H. ENGLISH,
JOSEPH HENRY, Building Committee.
12 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS,
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF REGENTS
OF
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
MONDAY, Mancx 16, 1857.
A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day at 11 o’clock a. m. ; Present: Hon. R. B. Taney, Chancellor, Hon. John C. Breckin- ridge, James M. Mason, 8. A. Douglas, Gen. Jos. G. Totten, Prof. A.D. Bache, Wm. B. Magruder, and the Secretary.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
The Chancellor, Chief Justice Taney, then presented the following communication :
Wasuineton, March 16, 1857.
GENTLEMEN: When the Board of Regents was originally organized it was deemed proper that the Vice President of the United States for the time being should be elected as the Chancellor. The Institution exists under the authority of Congress, and they have made certain officers of the government ex officio Regents. The Vice President is the highest in rank of the officers thus designated ; and it would seem to be peculiarly proper that the one who presides over the delibera- tions of one branch of the national legislature should also preside over the deliberations ofa scientific institution which the nation has brought into existence and fosters.
Unfortunate events have for some time past left the government without a Vice President elected by the people. And when that office was vacant the Regents conferred on me the office which had always before been filled by the Vice President. And when I accepted it I regarded the appointment as a temporary one. The reason for the appointment has now happily ceased, and I desire to give the Regents
PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 73
an opportunity of restoring the original plan of organization, in which I fully concurred when it was adopted.
I therefore resign the office of Chancellor of the Institution, and at the same time return my thanks for the honor which the Regents bestowed upon me in electing me to that office.
But my resignation will not lessen the interest I feel in the Insti- tution. On the contrary, every year’s experience has more and more convinced me of its usefulness and efficiency in promoting the objects of its founder, and I shall always be ready to offer my humble aid if I can be useful in advancing its prosperity and success.
I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your obedient servant,
BY Be TANEY:
To the Recents oF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
Mr. Breckinridge, Vice President of the United States, moved that the present Chancellor, Chief Justice Taney, be re-elected to that office, expressing his unwillingness to assume the position which had been so long and so ably filled by its present occupant,
The motion was adopted unanimously, whereupon Judge Taney remarked that he was anxious to serve the Institution to the best of his ability, and he could not decline this expression of the confidence of the Board if they insisted on his retaining the office of Chancellor.
The Secretary announced that, by joint resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives, Hon. Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania, and Gen. Joseph G. Totten, of the city of Washington, had been re-elected Regents for six years; also that the President of the Senate had re- appointed Hon. James A. Pearce and Hon. James M. Mason, Regents for the same period of tine.
The Secretary announced to the Board that, since its last meeting, three distinguished men of science, correspondents of the Institution, had deceased, namely: Prof. J. W. Bamzy, Dr. E. K. Kang, and Mr. W. C. ReprFiev.
On this announcement Prof. Bache offered a series of appropriate remarks, referring to their eminent services in the promotion of science.
Gen. Totten offered the following resolutions, which were adopted:
ftesolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have heard with regret the announcement of the death of Prof. Jacop W. Batizy, whose communications to the Smithsonian Contributions have
74 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS.
attracted the notice and won the approval of i throughout |
the world.
fesolved, That the ate offer to the family of Prof Bailey their condolence on the loss which they have sustained. +f
Mr. Douglas offered the following resolutions, which were » adopted:
Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, in common with the whole country, have heard with deep regret of the death of one of their esteemed collaborators, Dr. E. K. Kann, to whom. was committed by this Institution a set of philosophical instruments for the purpose of research in the polar regions, which he used, and carefully returned at the hazard of his life, antes a series: of obser- vations of great value to science.
Resolved, That the Regents offer to the family of Dr. Kane seheir condolence on the loss which they have sustained.
Prof. Bache offered the following resolution, which was adopted k
ftesolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have heard with regret of the decease of their valued correspondent, WILLIAM C. Reprietp, of New York, whose labors in meteorology have ren- dered his name familiar to men of science in every part of the civilized world, and offer to his family their condolence on the loss which they have sustained.
A communication from Dr. Robert Hare was read, relative to the practical construction of minute weights and measures.
On motion of Dr. Magruder, the following resolutions were adopted:
ftesolved, That a copy of the communication of Dr. Hare be trans- . mitted to the Secretary of the Treasury, with the recommendation of —
the Board of Regents that the instrument offered by Dr. Hare be ~ received by the government, and placed in the Office of Weights an Measures.
ftesolved, That the communication of Dr. ere be inserted in fe appendix to the report of the Regents to Congress. Hite
A communication from J. A. Johnson, esq., of Maryland, relative to an ‘‘ International Geographic and Scientific Commission’’ was read and referred to the Executive Committee and the Secretary.
The Secretary made a communication to the Board, relative to an. article which had been published by Prof. 8. F. B. Morse, conta charges against his moral character and his scientific reputation.
a
a
The Chancellor made a few remarks, confirming Prof. aa y
statement as to the advice he had given him respecting this attack, On motion of Mr. Mason, the following resolution was adopted : Bi
fiesolved, That the communication of the Secretary and uecompany> u
PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 75
referred to a committee, to examine and report upon on of the Board of Regents.
Shancellor appointed Messrs. Mason, Pearce, Felton, ecommittee. —
~ ac sine die.
| Wasurineton, January 20, 1858. ance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their eting on the third Wednesday of January of each year, the et this day in the Regents’ room.
orum being present, the Board adjourned to meet on Thurs- uary 28, 1858.
THURSDAY, January 28, 1858.
ting of the Board of Regents was held this day at 10 a. m., the Smithsonian Institution. : Present: Hon. John C. Breckinridge, Vice President of the United s, Hon. J. M. Mason, Hon. 8. A. Douglas, Hon. George E. x, Prof. A. D. Bache, Prof. C. C. Felton, Mr. Seaton, Treasurer, the ‘Godetory. ‘the absence of the Chancellor the Vice President was called to air. minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. peretary stated that, since the last meeting of the Board, the r of the House of Representatives had appointed Hon. William B ish, of Indiana, Hon. Benjamin Stanton, of Ohio, and Hon. hg |. Gartrell, of Georgia, as Regents for the term of their service as embers of the House. reasurer presented a statement of the receipts and expendi- during the year 1857, and also a general statement of the funds; ere referred to the Executive Committee. lowing communication was presented :
Spit “Wasurnatoy, January 23, 1858. EM sn: The undersigned offers for sale, and respectfully sug- 0 ) your peeptabie aa the propriety of gta the gallery
76 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS.
He proposes to sell the whole collection described in the catalogue published by the Institution, one hundred and fifty-two in number » for the sum of twelve thousand dollars—one-third of the same cash and the remainder at two equal annual instalments; or, if it should be preferred, one-fourth down and the residue in three equal annual instalments.
The undersigned commenced his labors in this work in 1842, and devoted the best years of his life in travelling through the region of our country peopled principally by the red man—through the wilds of Oregon and what is now Washington Territory. All of the por- traits are accurate likenesses of prominent chiefs and braves, and readily recognized by men who have had intercourse with the various tribes of Indians.
Since 1852 he has cherished the hope (but has not been able to realize it) that Congress would authorize the purchase of this collec- _ tion. He has, up to this time, made sacrifices—such as one believing in the merit of his own work, and whose zeal in persevering through arduous and unremitting toil to accomplish it, alone would make—to keep this collection together. He will not affect the modesty of refraining from expressing his belief that no other gallery (aside from what artistic merit the public may award it)-possesses the interest, in a national point of view, that this does. Some of the chiefs repre- sented are no longer living; and, to the little we know of their history — it will be some satisfaction to add the perpetuation of their features. These were taken from life and in the character they themselves pre- ferred to be handed down to the gaze of future generations.
The price at which he offers this collection will not more than cover the outlay in cost of material, transportation, insurance, travelling expenses, &c., and will not afford him any compensation for his time and labor. Taking, as he humbly conceives, the intrinsic value of these Indian portraits into consideration, he will receive no pecuniary profit by their disposal on the terms named.
His ardent desire that they should be preserved, as a national work, in some place at the capital of our country ; his failure heretofore to induce Congress to agree to their purchase, and the more pressing reasons of liabilities now maturing, impel him to make this proposi- tion. Your honorable Board are again requested to consider it and communicate your answer at as early a day as is convenient. If the purchase of the portraits is not authorized by you, he will be com-
PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. at
pelled to expose them at public auction in time to have the proceeds available by the 1st of May next. —
The undersigned will take this occasion to tender his acknowledg- ments to the Board and Professor Henry for the use of the hall in the Institution where the gallery now is, and for other courtesies, which he will always appreciate.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. STANLEY.
The Hon. Boarp or Recents of the Smithsonian Institution.
On motion, this communication was referred to a special committee, and Messrs. Felton, Douglas, and Badger were appointed.
The Secretary laid before the Board a present from Miss Contaxaki, of Greece, consisting of a volume of drawings, &c., illustrating the celebrated works of art in her own land, together with the following letters :
Wasuineton, November 23, 1857.
Sir: During my last trip to the east I was charged by Miss Eliza- beth B. Contaxaki, a native of the isle of Crete, with an ‘‘ ornamental album,’’ which she desired me to present, through you, to the Smith- sonian Institution. In forming the work, this lady designed it as a contribution to the Universal Exhibition at Paris, in 1855, worthy of the classic renown of the ancient city of Athens. So ardent is her admiration of the United States and its institutions that she wishes it to be permanently placed in this country, and having a high appre- ciation, of you as an American statesman, and your reputation as a classical scholar, she desired that I would request you to offer it in her name to the Smithsonian Institution.
The ‘‘ Classical Bouquet,’’ as it is entitled, consists of illustrations of the principal monuments and places in the kingdom of Greece, to which are added a few from her native isle of Crete, not yet emanci- pated from the Moslem yoke. These illustrations are explained by quotations from the ancient Greek authors in the original language, beautifully illuminated ; whilst many of the pages are adorned with flowers culled from'the spots which the drawings represent.
Miss Contaxaki is the sole originator and authoress of it, assisted in its execution by native artists of Greece. The beauty of the finish, and the faithfulness and accuracy of the quotations from Hesiod, Homer, Xenophon, Plato, and others, show that the present sons and
78 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS.
daughters of the renowned ancient city of Minerva are not insensible of the glory that was once attached to her name, nor incapable of appreciating those monuments of art, science, and literature which still survive.
Feeling assured that, as an eminent classical scholar, you will fully appreciate the worth of the Classical Bouquet, I beg to present it, through you, to the Smithsonian Institution, in her name.
With sentiments of the highest respect, I remain your obedient servant,
CHAS. 8S. SPENCE. Hon. Lewis Cass,
Secretary of State.
Wasuineton City, November 25, 1857.
Sir: I send you herewith a splendid album, together with a letter from Mr. Spence, explanatory of the circumstances of its execution and transmission to this country. I perform the duty of presenting it to the Smithsonian Institution with great pleasure, for it is a finished specimen of taste and art, worthy of a prominent place in your inter- esting collection. Mr. Spence has so well described it that any further reference to it on my part is unnecessary.
I am, dear sir, respectfully yours, LEWIS CASS. Prof. HEnry,
Smithsonian Institution, Washington City.
On motion, the work was referred to Professor Felton, to report a resolution expressive of the high appreciation of the gift on the part of the Board, and a letter of acknowledgment to Miss Contaxaki.
A letter was read from Sir George Simpson, expressing the desire and intention of the agents of the Hudson’s Bay Company to co- operate with the Smithsonian Institution in procuring specimens of natural history, and in the prosecution of scientific researches.
The Board then adjourned to meet on Saturday, 30th instant, at 11 o'clock, a. m.
SATURDAY, January 30, 1858.
The Board of Regents met this day in the hall of the Institution at 11 o’clock a. m.
Present: Hon. J. C. Breckinridge, Vice President of the United States, Hon. J. A. Pearce, Hon. J. M. Mason, Hon. 8. A. Douglas, Hon. W. H. English, Professor A. D. Bache, Professor C. C. Felton, Mr. Seaton, Treasurer, and the Secretary.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 19
The Vice President took the chair.
The minutes were then read and approved.
The minutes of the last meeting of the ‘‘ Establishment’’ were read for information, according to the by-laws of that body.
The Secretary stated to the Board the action of Congress at its last session relative to the construction of cases in the Smithsonian building for the government collections, and also the decision of the Attorney General respecting the law.
The Secretary then presented the annual report of the operations, expenditures, and condition of the Institution during the year 1857; | which was read.
The Board then visited the rooms of the building, the collections, &c., and adjourned.
Wasuineton, April 10, 1858.
The Board of Regents met this day at 11 o’clock a. m.
Present: Hon. J. M. Mason, Hon. 8. A. Douglas, Hon. George E. Badger, Hon. Benj. Stanton, Hon. L. J. Gartrell.
Mr. Mason was called to the chair.
The.minutes were read and approved.
The report of the Building Committee for the year 1857 was read and accepted.
The report of the Executive Committee was presented, together with the estimates for the year 1858.
Communications relative to the care of the government collections, the Wynn estate, the publications, investigations, and other opera- tions of the Institution, were read.
On motion of Mr. Badger, the Secretary was directed to have the windows and other parts of the east wing of the building put in good order.
The following report from Professor Felton was presented :
REPORT ON THE PRESENT OF MISS CONTAXAKI.
The Secretary laid before the Board a volume received from Greece, and sent as a gift to the Smithsonian Institution, together with the letter of the Hon. Mr. Spence, late United States minister to Con- stantinople, to the Secretary of State, and the letter of the Hon. Lewis Cass, the Secretary of State, to Professor Henry, the Secretary of the Institution. The volume and the correspondence were referred to Professor Felton.
The volume was transmitted from Athens, Greece, through Mr.
80 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS.
Spence. It was designed and executed by a Greek lady of rare liter- ary accomplishments, Miss Elizabeth B. Contaxaki, assisted by six Greek gentlemen, resident in Athens. It contains sketches of the principal ruins in that city, and views of the most famous historical places there and in other parts of Greece, correctly drawn and deli- cately colored, together with the passage, from the classic authors, in which the objects and places are described or referred to, transla- tions of the passages, and extracts from English and French writers on the same subjects. The book is adorned with exquisitely drawn vignettes, and emblematic devices, and with specimens of the wild flowers which grow in the places described, carefully preserved, pressed, and attached to the leaves. The volume is bound in blue velvet, and tastefully decorated with silver. It is put in an elegantly and richly carved case, made of olive wood, from the olive groves near Athens, where stood, in ancient times, the academic groves of Plato’s school. The body of the case is made of the trunk of the tree, and the ornamental portions, of the root, which is of darker and richer color. This beautiful gift, therefore, combines a great variety of objects, possessing, from their associations with the loftiest achieve- ments of Hellenic genius, a deep and singular interest, and forming a most appropriate memorial of the country from which European art, education, philosophy, and letters took their rise.
Miss Contaxaki, the tasteful designer of this memorial, is a native of the island of Crete. At the time of the outbreak of the Greek revolution, her father was a landed proprietor there, and, in common with the great body of the Hellenic race, lost most of his property by the rapacity and tyranny of the Turks. His family was dispersed, and his daughter Elizabeth became an inmate in the family of the Rev. Dr. John H. Hill, the American missionary, who established himself in Athens, at the close of the war, for the benevolent and enlightened purpose of aiding the Greeks to reconstruct the shattered edifice of civilization, by establishing the school, which still continues to dispense the blessings of education among the children of its first pupils in that illustrious capital. Residing with Dr. Hill for many years, and educated chiefly under his superintendence and care, Eliza- beth became known to many American travellers in the Hast, by whom she has often been mentioned with a cordial appreciation of her accomplishments and merits. Their personal relations have naturally inspired her with a warm interest in the United States, heightened by the sympathies of the citizens of America in the regeneration of her country, and the substantial aid furnished by them to Greece in
PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 81
the hour of her utmost need. Recently Miss Contaxaki, after a visit to Constantinople, where she was received with distinction, has re- turned to her native island, which is under the government of the Pacha of Egypt, and, by her learning and ability, has succeeded in recovering, through the Moslem tribunal, a portion of her paternal estate.
The volume now presented to the Smithsonian Institution was sent to the great Paris Exhibition of 1855, where it excited much admira- tion, and gained a diploma for its accomplished author. She has now transmitted it for permanent deposit among the treasures of the Smithsonian Institution in the United States.
The Regents of the Institution accept the gift with great pleasure, not only on account of its rare beauty, its intrinsic value, and the many interesting associations it suggests with that famous city, called by Milton ‘‘ the eye of Greece, mother of art and arms,’’ but also as an expressive symbol of the hearty good will for the American republic, cherished by the enlightened spirit of a nation which has so honorably vindicated its right to the glories of an illustrious descent by re-establishing the institutions of freedom and learning on the soil where, in ancient times, they earliest flourished, and with uunex- ampled splendor.
The committee recommends the adoption of the following resolu- tions by the Board:
Resolved, That the regents of the Smithsonian Institution ac- cept, with gratitude, the splendid memorial volume presented by Miss Elizabeth B. Contaxaki, and that they recognize, in the beauty, taste, and art displayed in its general execution and style of its embellish- ment, a pleasing indication that the genius which placed the ancient Greeks at the head of the civilization of the world still survives in their descendants.
Resolved, That a copy of the above report, and of these resolutions, be transmitted, with a letter of acknowledgment from the Smithsonian Institution, to Miss Contaxaki, the accomplished donor.
On motion, the report was accepted and the resolutions adopted.
The Board then adjourned.
WEDNESDAY, May 19, 1858.
The Board met this day in the Vice President’s room, United States Capitol, at 94 o’clock. Present: The Chancellor, Hon. Roger B. Taney, Hon. John C. Breckinridge, Vice President of the United States, Hon. J. M. Mason, 6s
82 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS.
Hon. J. A. Pearce, Hon. 8. A. Douglas, Hon. W. H. English, Hon, Benjamin Stanton, Prof. A. D. Bache, and the Secretary.
The minutes were read and approved.
Mr. Pearce explained the report of the Executive Committee and the estimates for the year 1858, and, on motion, they were adopted.
The following report was presented from Prof. Felton, of the com- mittee to whom was referred the communication of Mr. J. M. Stanley:
REPORT ON THE PROPOSITION TO PURCHASE THE INDIAN GALLERY. ~
The Secretary laid before the Board a letter from Mr. J. M. Stanley, painter of the gallery of Indian portraits, now on deposit with the Smithsonian Institution, proposing to sell them to the Institution for the sum of twelve thousand dollars.
The committee appointed to consider and report upon the subject respectfully represent that, while they are fully sensible of the great historical and ethnological value of this collection of portraits, and of their characteristic excellence, they are yet of opinion that it would be inexpedient to withdraw the sum mentioned from the funds necessary to carry on the scheme of active operations, which has been so ably inaugurated and, thus far, so successfully executed. The income of the Smithsonian fund should not be scattered among differ- ent and disconnected objects, and the sum necessary for the purchase of the gallery cannot be spared, without crippling for a time, at least, the regular operations of the Institution.
Among the Contributions to Knowledge several important works relating to the aboriginal inhabitants of America have been published by the Institution and circulated over the civilized world.
Grammars and dictionaries of the Indian languages may be men- tioned as of special interest, and of great value to the science of com- parative philology. Their language will probably pass away, and the races speaking them disappear; but the works to which we allude will preserve, for future investigators of the science of philology, the characteristic form in which their thoughts were expressed, and will have an important bearing, not only on general ethnological inquiries, but on the philosophy of the human mind. These volumes have been eagerly sought and studied by the most eminent compara- tive philologists of Europe, and have, by universal consent, contri- buted materially to the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men in that department of science.
But though your committee are of opinion that the purckase of this
PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 83
gallery would interfere with the present plan of operations, and that it would not so directly tend to the increase and diffusion of know- ledge, they would earnestly express the opinion that, in a national point of view, the value of these portraits can hardly be over- estimated.
They represent forty-three different tribes, and are taken from the leading personages in them. The artist has studied carefully the peculiarities of the tribes, the characteristic expressions of the in- dividuals, their natural attitudes and actions, their several styles of costume and ornament, and has reproduced, with artistic skill, all these particulars. To this interesting enterprise he has given ten of the best years of his life, having traversed, with great labor and incon- venience, the principal regions inhabited by the subjects of his pencil. The number of portraits, including that of the artist, enumerated in the catalogue, is one hundred and fifty-two. The price for which they are offered is much below their real value, being less than $80 apiece. At the proposed rate the artist will receive no compensation for his time and labor, and barely enough to defray the cost of material, transportation, travelling expenses and insurance.
The number of the tribes represented so faithfully in this gallery, and the prominence of the individuals, render the collection very complete and satisfactory, as presenting a general view of the charac- teristic features of the red man. These circumstances make it important that the gallery should be preserved entire. Its peculiar value con- sists in its comprehensive character no less than in the fidelity of the individual details. Centuries hence, when most all of the tribes here represented shall have disappeared, as the New England tribes, for example, have nearly disappeared, this gallery will be an object of .the profoundest interest to the student of man, the historian, the philosopher, and the statesman.
The relations between the government o! the United States and the Indian tribes form one of the most delicate and important subjects of national legislation. The government has not only endeavored to deal with the red men in a liberal and paternal spirit, but has done much towards illustrating their character and condition by the pub- lication of costly works embodying the observations and researches of investigators who have devoted themselves to Indian studies. It appears to your committee that to purchase this collection, and to place it in some secure situation easy of access to visitors at the capital, would be an act worthy of the enlightened liberality of Con-
84 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS.
gress. The cost would be insignificant, and the value of the collection would increase in all future time. No place is so suitable for its permanent deposit as the city of Washington, and no guardianship so appropriate as that of the government of the United States.
Your committee recommend to the Board that the subject of the purchase of Mr. Stanley’s Indian gallery be brought respectfully to the attention of Congress, as a measure eminently deserving a favor- able consideration in its bearings upon the history of the aboriginal tribes of America, and as a monument of deep and lasting interest to the people of the United States.
The report was accepted, and laid on the table for the present.
The Secretary stated that Mr. Putnam having resigned the agency of the Smithsonian publications in New York,|Messrs. D. Appleton & Co. had been appointed his successors.
The Secretary announced that since the last meeting of the Board the death of Dr. Rozert Haru, of Philadelphia, had occurred, who was one of the principal benefactors of the Institution, and its first honorary member.
Professor Bache gave an account of the life, character, and scientific researches of Dr. Hare, and offered the following resolutions :
Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have learned with deep regret the decease of one of the earliest and most venerated honorary members of the establishment, Robert Hare, M.D., of Philadelphia, late professor of chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania.
Resolved, That the activity and power of mind of Dr. Hare, shown through a long and successful career of physical research, the great fertility of invention, the happy adaptations to matters of practical life, and the successful grappling with questions of high theory in physical science, have placed him among the first in his country of the great contributors to knowledge, clarum et venerabile nomen.
Resolved, That while we deplore the loss of this great and good man, who has done so much to keep alive the flame of science in our country in past days, we especially mourn the generous patron of our Institution, the sympathizing friend of the youth of some of us, and the warm-hearted colleague of our manhood.
Resolved, That we offer to the bereaved family of Dr. Hare our sincere condolence in the loss which they have sustained by his death.
The resolutions were adopted.
The report of the Secretary for 1857 was then accepted.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 85
Professor Felton, in behalf of the special committee to whom the following communication of Professor Henry of March 16, 1857, together with accompanying documents, &c., were referred, presenteg @ report.
COMMUNICATION FROM PROF. HENRY, SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, RELATIVE TO A PUBLICATION BY PROF. MORSE.
GENTLEMEN: In the discharge of the important and responsible duties which devolve upon me as Secretary of the Smithsonian Insti- tution, I have found myself exposed, like other men in public positions, to unprovoked attack and injurious misrepresentation. Many instances of this, it may be remembered, occurred about two years ago, during the discussions relative to the organic policy of the Institution ; but, though very unjust, they were suffered to pass unnoticed, and gene- rally made, I presume, no lasting impression on the public mind.
During the same controversy, however, there was one attack made upon me of such a nature, so elaborately prepared and widely circu- lated, by my opponents, that, though I have not yet publicly noticed it, I have from the first thought it my duty not to allow it to go un- answered. I allude to an article in a periodical entitled ‘‘ Shaffner’s Telegraph Companion,’’ from the pen of Prof. 8. F. B. Morse, the celebrated inventor of the American electro-magnetic telegraph. In this, not my scientific reputation merely, but my moral character was pointedly assailed ; indeed, nothing less was attempted than to prove that in the testimony which I had given in a case where I was at most but a reluctant witness, I had consciously and wilfully deviated from the truth, and this, too, from unworthy and dishonorable motives.
Such a charge, coming from such a quarter, appeared to me then, as it appears now, of too grave a character and too serious a coasequence to be withheld from the notice of the Board of Regents. I, therefore, presented the matter unofficially to the Chancellor of the Institution, Chief Justice Taney, and was advised by him to allow the matter to rest until the then existing excitement with respect to the organiza- tion of the Institution should subside, and that in the meantime the materials for a refutation of the charge might be collected and pre- pared, to be brought forward at the proper time, if I should think it necessary.
The article of Mr. Morse was published in 1855, but at the session of the Board in 1856 I was not prepared to present the case properly
86 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS.
to your consideration, and I now (1857) embrace the first opportunity of bringing the subject officially to your notice, and asking from you an investigation into the justice of the charges alleged against me. And this I do most earnestly, with the desire that when we shall all have passed from this stage of being, no imputation of having at- tempted to evadeinsilence so grave a charge shall rest on me, nor on you, of having continued to devolve upon me duties of the highest respon- sibility, after that was known to some of you individually, which, if true, should render me entirely unworthy of your confidence. Duty to the Board of Regents, as well as regard to my own memory, to my family, and to the truth of history, demands that I should lay thi matter before you, and place in your hands the documents necessary to establish the veracity of my testimony, so falsely impeached, and the integrity of my motives, so wantonly assailed.
My life, as is known to you, has been principally devoted to science, and my investigations in different branches of physics have given me some reputation in the line of original discovery. I have sought, however, no patent for inventions, and solicited no remuneration for my labors, but have freely given their results to the world, expecting only, in return, to enjoy the consciousness of having added, by my in- vestigations, to the sum of human knowledge, and to receive the credit to which they might justly entitle me.
I commenced my scientific career about the year 1828, with a series of experiments in electricity, which were continued at intervals up to the period of my being honored by election to the office of Secretary of this Institution. The object of my researches was the advancement of science, without any special or immediate reference to its applica- tion to the wants of life or useful purposes in the arts. It is true, nev- ertheless, that some of my earlier investigations had an important bearing on the electro-magnetic telegraph, and brought the science to that point of development at which it was immediately applicable to Mr. Morse’s particular invention.
In 1831 I published a brief account of these researches, in which I drew attention to the fact of their applicability to the telegraph ; and in 1832, and subsequently, exhibited experiments illustrative of the application of the electro-magnet to the transmission of power to a distance, for producing telegraphic and other effects. The results I had published were communicated to Mr. Morse, by his scientific assistant, Dr. Gale, as will be shown on the evidence of the latter ; and the facts which I had discovered were promptly applied in render- ing effective the operation of his machine.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 87
In the latter part of 1837 I became personally acquainted with Mr. Morse, and at that time, and afterwards, freely gave him information in regard to the scientific principles which had been the subject of my investigations. After his return from Europe, in 1839, our intercourse was renewed, and continued uninterrupted till 1845. In that year, Mr. Vail, a partner and assistant of Mr. Morse, published a work pur- porting to be a history of the Telegraph, in which I conceived manifest injustice was done me. I complained of this to a mutual friend, and subsequently received an assurance from Mr. Morse that if another edition were published, all just ground of complaint should be removed, A new emission of the work, however, shortly afterwards appeared, without change in this respect, or further reference to my labors. Still I made no public complaint, and set up no claims on account of the telegraph. I was content that my published researches should remain as material for the history of science, and be pronounced upon, accord- ing to their true value, by the scientific world.
After this, a series of controversies and lawsuits having arisen be- tween rival claimants for telegraphic patents, I was repeatedly ap- pealed to, to act as expert and witness in such cases. This I uniformly declined to do, not wishing to be in any manner involved in these lit- igations, but was finally compelled, under legal process, to return to Boston from Maine, whither I had gone on a visit, and to give evi- dence on the subject. My testimony was given with the statement that I was not a willing witness, and that I labored under the disadvantage of not having access to my notes and papers, which were in Washing- ton. That testimony, however, I now reaffirm to be true in every essential particular. It was unimpeached before the court, and exer- cised an influence on the final decision of the question at issue.
I was called upon on that occasion to state, not only what I had pub- lished, but what I had done, and what I had shown to others in regard to the telegraph. It was my wish, in every statement, to render Mr. Morse full and scrupulous justice. While I was constrained, there- fore, to state that he had made no discoveries in science, I distinctly declared that he was entitled to the merit of combining and applying the discoveries of others, in the invention of the best practical form of the magnetic telegraph. My testimony tended to establish the fact that, though not entitled to the exclusive use of the electro-magnet for telegraphic purposes, he was entitled to his particular machine, register, alphabet, &c. Asthis, however, did not meet the full requirements of Mr. Morse’s comprehensive claim, I could not but be aware that, while
88 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS.
aiming to depose nothing but truth and the whole truth, and while so doing being obliged to speak of my own discoveries, and to allude to the omissions in Mr. Vail’s book, I might expose myself to the possible, and, as it has proved, the actual, danger of having my motives mis- construed and my testimony misrepresented. But I can truly aver, in accordance with the statement of the