AN ACCOUNT
^,t7 3
 nstitatíik
FOÜKDER, BUILDING, OPERATIONS, ETC,
PBEl'ARGU   FBOM   THE
REPORTS OF PROF. HENRY TO THE REGENTS, AND OTHER AUTHENTIC SOURCES
PHILADELPHIA:
COLLINS,    PRINTER,
705  JAYXE   STREET.
 ù
INTRODUCTION.
The Smithsonian Institution bas attained a world-wide reputation, and iis
influence and importance are constantly extending. Its publications are found
not only in the public libraries of our own land, but also in those of every other
civilized country. Its correspondents include some of the most distinguished
cultivators of science of the present day, and it is referred to as a center of infor-
mation by those who are interested in the pursuit of knowledge.
Many persons, however, who visit Washington, are but imperfectly acquainted
with the history of Smithson, the great object he had in view, the plans adopted
to carry out his intentions, and the results already obtained. It is for the pur-
pose of furnishing more definite information on these points that this work has
been compiled, from the annual reports of the Secretary,, Professoi Henry, to the
Board of Regents, and other authentic sources.
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EXPLANATION OF DIAGRAMS OF MUSEUM HALLS.
The heavy black lines denote upright Cases, and are numbered from 1 to 86.   The light lines are for
Table and Window Cases, and are numbered from 1 to 104.
NORTHEAST   RANGE.
Principally Mammals, Foreign Birds, and North American Fishes.
Case   1.    Foxes, Wolves, Jaguars, Wild Cats, Panthers, Ant-eaters, Earth-hogs, Peccaries.
Cases 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13.    Fishes.
Case   3.    Doves, Pigeons, Quails, Partridges, Wild Cocks, Pheasants, Peacocks, Lyre Birds, Grouse.
"     5.    Goldfinches,  Yellow-birds, Crossbills,  Starlings, Cassicans,  Satin-birds, Jays,  Black-birds
Tanagers, Shrikes, Wrens, Manakins, Sparrows, Magpies, Buntings.
"     7.    Kingfishers, Swallows, Humming Birds, Birds of Paradise.
"     9.    Parrots, Paroquets, Lories, Cockatoos, Barbets, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Flickers, Trogons.
"   11.    Hawks, Harriers, Kites, Falcons, Eagles, Horn-bills, Peaeock Trogons, Owls.
"   13a. Condors, Vultures, Carrion Crows.
SOUTHEAST   RANGE.
Worth American Birds and Reptiles and some Marine Animals.
Cases 14,15, 17, 19.   Serpents in alcohol.                    Case 14a.   Eagles, Fish Hawks.
Case 16.    Hawks, Owls, Kites, Buzzards, Vultures.
"     18.    Woodpeckers, Flycatchers,  Pewees,  Kingbirds, Flickers, Thrushes, Warblers, Swallows,
Wrens, Buntings, Finches, Nuthatches, Titmice, Robins, Grosbeaks, Snow-birds.
"     20.    Blackbirds, Grakles, Jays, Ravens, Orioles, Partridges, Grouse, Sage Cocks, Sandpipers, Rails,
Snipe, Marsh-hens, Quails, Knots.             Case 21.    Lizards.
"     22.    Ducks, Teals, Nest and egg of Eider Duck, Wild Turkeys, Herons, Cranes.     Case 23.    Frogs.
"     24.   Terns, Gulls, Tropic birds, Man-of-War Bird, Petrels, Cormorants, Loons, Boobies, Gannets,
Swans, Pelicans, Brant, Geese.                Case 25.    Salamanders and Turtles in alcohol.
"    26.   Alligators, Seals, Sea-cows, Albatrosses, Sawfish, Porpoise, Sturgeon, Shark, Gar-fish.
SOUTH    HALL.
Sarcophagus, from Beirut, Syria—Plank from Redwood Tree, California—Copper, from Lake Superior
Mines—Living Alligator, from Georgia—Idols from Nicaragua.
SOUTH-WEST    RANGE.
Mammals, Radiates, Crustaceans, Reptiles, Fishes of North Pacific Exploring Expedition.
Case 28.    Bears, Ourang Outang, Gorilla, Monkeys, Bighorn, or Mountain Sheep, Wolverines, Otters,
Flying Lemurs, Taguans, Fox Phalangers, Kangaroos, Antelopes.
"     29.    Fishes.       Case 31.    North American Toads.     Case 33.   Starfishes.     Case 35.   Shell-fishes.
"     30.    Bats, Hedge-hogs, Moles, Sloths, Weasels, Ermines, Sables, Minks, Martens, Raccoons, Ferrets,
Hares, Rabbits, Possum Cats, Dasyures, Pagumas.
"     32.    Squirrels, Gophers, Mice, Hares, Beaver, Marmots, Rabbits, Porcupines, Moles, Woodchucks,
Armadillos, Guinea pigs.
Cases 34, 36, 38.   Corals, Sponges, Sea weeds.                          Cases 37, 39, 40.   Crabs.
NORTHWEST    RANGE.
Genera of Fishes, Foreign Birds and Reptiles.
Cases 41, 43, 44, 46, 48.   Fishes.       Case 42. Sea eggs and Sea urchins.       Cases 48,50, 52,54.   Reptiles.
Case 45.    Gulls, Noddies, Terns, Penguins, Petrels, Grebes.
"     47.    Tropic birds, Gannets, Pigeons, Albatross, Cormorants, Pelicans, Petrels.
"    49.    Geese, Swans, Ducks, Flamingoes, Coots, Rails, Shovellers.
"    51.    Ibis, Lapwings, Curlews, Snipes, Cranes, Storks, Bitterns, Herons, Spoonbills.
Between 51 and 53.    Dress worn by Dr. Kane and Relics of Sir John Franklin.
Case 53.    Deer, Llama, Reindeer, Elk.
NORTHEAST    GALLERY.
Cases 55—62.   Collections of Mineralogy, Geology and Palseontology.
SOUTHEAST   GALLERY.
Case 63.    Human Skulls.                                          Cases 64—67.    Skulls and Skeletons.
Case 68.   Skins of Reptiles and Fishes.                     Cases 69—69».   Botany.
NORTHWEST    GALLERY.
Ethnological Collections from East Indies, China, Japan, South America, Africa.
Oases 78—79.    Mummies from Egypt and Peru.
SOUTHWEST   GALLERY.
Ethnological Collections from the Feejee, Sandwich, Marquesas, New Zealand and other Islands.
•   TABLE    CASES.
ÇB5TKE of Hall—East Esd.   Nests and eggs—The Meteorito—Ores, &e.   West Esd.   Shells and Turtles.
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
James Smithson, the foaudei
of the Institution which bears his
name and will perpetuate his mem-
ory, was a native of London, Eng-
land. In h;s will he states that
he was the sou of Hugh, first Duke
of Northumberland, and Eliza-
beth, heiress of the Hungerfords,
of Audley, and niece of Charles
the Proud, Duke of Somerset. He
was educated at Oxford, where he
took an honorary degree in 17^6.
He went under the name of James
Lewis Macie until a few years after
he had left the university, when
he took that of Smithson, the
family name of the Northumberlands. He does not appear to have had aw
fixed home in England, but travelled much on the continent, occasionally staying
a year or two in Paris, Berlin, Florence, etc. He died at Genoa, in 1828, at a»
advanced age. He is said by Sir Davies Gilbert, President of the Royal Society,,
to have rivalled the most expert chemists in minute analysis ', and, as an instancr
of his skill, it is mentioned that, happening to observe a tear gliding down a
lady's cheek, he endeavored to catch it on a crystal vessel; that half of the drop
escaped, but having preserved the other half, he submitted it to close analysis,
and discovered in it several salts. He contributed a number of valuable papers
to the Royal Society, and also to the Annals of Philosophy, on chemistry,
mineralogy, and geology. His scientific reputation was founded on these
branches, though from his writings he appears to have studied and reflected upoi>
almost every department of knowledge. He was of a sensitive, retiring disr osi
tion; was never married—appeared ambitious of making a name for him   If,
8                                      THE   SMITHSONIAN   INSTITUTION.
either by his own researches or by founding an institution for the promotion of
science. He declared, in writing, that though the best blood of England flowed
in his veins, this availed him not, for his name would live in the memory of man
when the titles of the Northumbeiiands and Percies were extinct or forgotten.
lie was cosmopolitan in his views, and affirmed that the man of science is of no
country—the world is his country, and all men his countrymen. He proposed
at one time to leave his money to the Royal Society of London, for the promotion
of science, but on account of a misunderstanding with the council of the Society
he changed his mind, and left it to his nephew, and in case of the death of this
relative, to the United States, to found the Institution which now bears his name.
The whole amount of money received from the bequest was $515,169 ; and,
besides this, £5015 were left in England as the principal of an annuity to the
mother of the nephew of Smithson. This sum will also come to the Institution^
The Government of the United States accepted the bequest, or in other words,
accepted the office of trustee, and the Hon. Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania, was
charged with the duty of prosecuting the claim. He remained in attendance on
the English courts until the money was awarded to him. He brought it over in
sovereigns, deposited it in the Mint of the United States, where it was recoined
into American eagles, thus becoming a part of the currency of the country.
At the time of the passing of the act establishing the Institution, in 1846,
tne sum of $242,000 had accrued in interest, and this the Regents were authorized
to expend on a building. But, instead of appropriating this sum immediately to
this purpose, they put it at interest, and deferred the completion of the building
for several years, until over $100,000 should be accumulated, the income of
which might defray the expenses of keeping the building, and the greater portion
of the income of the original bequest be devoted to the objects for which it was
designed. This policy has been rigidly adhered to, and the result is, that, besides
the original sum, and after all that has been devoted to the building, the grounds,
and other operations, there is now on hand, of accumulated interest, $141,000.
which has been invested in State stocks.
 of
The bequest, in the language of the testator, was " to found at Washington an
establishment, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, for the increase and
diffusion of knowledge among men." According to this, the Government of the
United States is merely a trustee. The bequest is for the benefit of mankind, and
any plan which does not recognize this provision of the will would be illiberal and
unjust. The Institution must bear and perpetuate the name of its founder, and
hence its operations are kept distinct from those of the General Government, and
* This has been received, yit lding $54,150, and invested in U. S. Bonds.
THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.                                     9
0
all the good which results from the expenditure of the funds is accredited to the
name of Smithson.
It will be observed that the object of the bequest is twofold—first, to increase,
and, second, to diffuse, knowledge among men. These two objects are entirely
separate and distinct, and to view the case understandingly the one must not be
confounded with the other. The first is to enlarge the existing stock of knowledge
by the addition of new truths, and the second, to disseminate knowledge thus
enlarged among men. This distinction is readily acknowledged by men of science,
and in Europe different classes of scientific and other societies are founded upon
it. The will makes no restriction in favor of any particular kind of knowledge,
and hence all branches are entitled to a share of attention. Smithson was well
aware that knowledge should not be viewed as existing in isolated parts, but as a
whole, each portion of which throws light on all the others, and that the ten-
dency of all is to improve the human mind, and to give it new sources of power
and enjoyment. A prevalent idea, however, in relation to the will is, that the
money was intended exclusively for the diffusion of useful or immediately practi-
cal knowledge among the inhabitants of this country, but it contains nothing
from which such an inference can be drawn. All knowledge is useful, and the
higher the more important. From the enunciation of a single scientific truth
may flow a hundred inventions, and the more abstract the truth the more im-
portant the deductions. To effect the greatest good, the organization of the In-
stitution should be such as to produce results which could not be attained by
other means, and inasmuch as the bequest is for men in general, all merely local
•expenditures are inconsistent with the will. These were the views expressed by the
Secretary, Professor Henry, and constantly advocated by him. They were not en-
tertained, however, by many, and consequently difficulties have been encountered
in carrying them out. A number of literary men thought that a great library should
be founded at Washington, and all the money expended on it ; others considered a
museum the proper object ; and another class thought the income should be de-
voted to the delivery of lectures throughout the country ; while still another was
of opinion that popular tracts should be published and distributed amongst the
million. But all these views were advanced without a proper examination of the
will, or a due consideration of the smallness of the income. The act of Congress
directed the formation of à library, a museum, a gallery of art, lectures, and a
building on a liberal scale to accommodate these objects. One clause, however,
gave the Regents the power, after the foregoing objects were provided for, to
expend the remainder of the income in any way they might think fit for carrying
out the design of the testator. The plan they have adopted is to stimulate all
persons in this country capable of advancing knowledge by original research to
labor in this line ; to induce them to send their results to the Institution for
examination and publication; and to assist all persons engaged in original
investigations, as far as its means will allow; also to institute, at the ex
pense and under the direction of the Institution, particular researches.
10                                   THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.
Jije Sobeft/tyerçf.
An act of Congress, dated August 10, 1846, provides " that the President and
Vice-President of the United States, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the
Treasury, the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Navy, the Postmaster
Genera], the Attorney General, the Chief Justice, and the Commissioner of the
Patent Office of the United States, and the Mayor of the City of Washington,
during the time for which they shall hold their respective offices, and such other
persons as they may elect as honorary members, be and they are hereby constituted
an ' establishment/ by the name of the ( Smithsonian Institution," for the in-
crease and diffusion of knowledge among men."
The law also provides for a " Board of Regents," to be composed of the Vice-
President of the United States and the Mayor of the City of Washington, duriog
the time for which they shall hold their respective offices, three members of the
Senate and three members of the House of Representatives, together with six
other persons, other than members of Congress, two of whom shall be members of
the National Institute, in the City of Washington, and resident in the said city ;
and the other four shall be inhabitants of other States, and no two of them from
the same State.
The Establishment exercises general supervision over the affairs of the Institu-
tion.
The Board of Regents conducts the business of the Institution, and makes
annual reports to Congress.
The Secretary of the Institution is elected by the Board. His duty is to take
charge of the building and property, discharge the duty of librarian, keeper of
the museum, etc., and has power, by consent of the Regents, to employ assist-
ants.
All laws for the protection of public property in Washington apply to the lands;.
buildings, and other property of the Institution.
METEORITE  FROM   COAHUILA,  MEXICO.
THE  SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
11
The Smithsonian building stands on a part of a tract of public land denoni.
inated " the Mall," and the grounds extend from Seventh to Twelfth streets, east and
west, and from the canal to B street, north and south, comprising about fifty-two
aerea. The center of the building is directly opposite Tenth street, and the site
is about twenty feet above the average level of Pennsylvania avenue.
The style of architecture is that of the last half of the twelfth century, the latest
variety of the rounded style, as it is found immediately anterior to its merging into
the early Gothic, and is known as the Norman, the Lombard, or Romanesque. The
semi-circular arch, stilted, is employed throughout—in doors, windows, and other
openings.
It is the first edifice in the style of the twelfth century, and of a character not
ecclesiastical, ever erected in this country.
The main building has in the center of its north front two towers, of which
the higher reaches an elevation of about 150 feet.    On the south front is a
massive tower 37 feet
square and 91 feet high
On the northeast corner
stands a double companile
tower, 17 feet square and
117 feet high; at the
southwest corner an oc-
tagonal tower, in which is
a spiral stair case. There
are nine towers in all.
The entire ltngth of
the building, from east to
west, is 447 feet. Its
greatest breadth is 160
feet. The east wing is
82 by 52 feet, and 42 J
feet high to the top ot' its
battlement ; the west
wing, including its pro-
jecting apsis, is 84 feet
by 40, and 38 feet high,
and each of the connect-
ing ranges, including its
cloister, is 60 feet by 49
The main building is 205
feet by 57, and, to the
top of the corbel course,
NOETH CENTRAL TOWEBS.                                              «O  íeCt high.
12                                    THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.
The building is erected in a very substantial manner. The foundation walls
under the main central towers are 12 feet thick at bottom, gradually diminishing
to five feet six inches at the surface of the ground, and are sunk eight feet deep.
The thickness of the walls of the main building above the water table is two feet
and-a-half in the first story, and two feet in the second, exclusive of buttresses,
corbel courses, &c. The walls of the wings are two feet thick ; of the central towers
three feet and a half thick in the first story, diminishing to two feet in the highest
story. The roofs are slated. The face of the building is finished in ashlar, laid
in courses from 10 to 15 inches in height, and having an average bed of nine
inches.
The material employed is a lilac gray variety of freestone, found in the new red
sandstone formation where it crosses the Potomac, near the mouth of Seneca
Creek, one of its tributaries, and about twenty-three miles above Washington.
When first quarried it is comparatively soft, working freely before the chisel and
hammer ; but by exposure it gradually indurates, and ultimately acquires tough-
cess and consistency, that not only enables it to resist the changes of the atmos-
phere, but even the most severe mechanical wear and tear.
The corner-stone of the building was laid with Masonic ceremonies, on the first
of May, 1847, in the presence of President Polk, his Cabinet, and an immense
concourse of citizens and strangers. The Grand Master of Masons, who performed
the ceremony, wore the apron presented by the Grand Lodge of France to Wash-
ington, through La Fayette, and used the gavel employed by Washington when
he laid the first corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States. An oration was
delivered by the Hon. George Mifflin Dallas, the first Chancellor of the Smithsonian
Institution, and now United States Minister to Great Britain. In the course of his
remarks Mr. Dallas said: "When, at no distant day, I trust, it shall be seen
that within the walls of this building the truths of nature are forced by persever.
ing researches from their hidden recesses, mingled with the stock already hoarded
by genius and industry, and thence profusely scattered, by gratuitous lectures or
publications, for the benefit of all—when it shall be seen that here universal
science finds food, implements, and a tribune—art her spring to invention, her
studio, and her models ; and both shall have throngs of disciples from the ranks
of our people, emulous for enlightenment, or eager to assist—then the condition of
our legacy will have been performed, and the wide philanthropy of Smithson have
achieved its aim."
The design, by James Kenwick, Jr., of New York, consists of a main center
building, two stories high, and two wings, connected by intervening ranges; each
of these latter having, on the north or principal front, a cloister, with open
stone screen.
The first story of the main building consists of one large room, 200 feet by 50,
and 25 feet high, the ceiling of which is supported by two rows of columns ex-
tending the whole length ; at the middle of the space corresponding to the prin-
cipal entrances are two wing walls, by which, with the addition of screens, the
whole space may be divided into two large rooms, with a hall extending across.
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
 JLîbfyttj.
Although the act of Congress directed that provision should be made for the
accommodation of a library, on a liberal scale, it was soon seen, after the organi-
sation of the Institution, that it would be impossible, from the income which could
be devoted to it, to establish a first-class general library. Even had this been
practicable, it would still have seemed superfluous to do so in the very vicinity of
the miscellaneous library of Congress, which is every year increasing in extent
under the liberal appropriations which are annually made for the purchase of books.
It was therefore deemed preferable, and more consonant with the purposes of the
Institution, to form a special library, which might constitute, as it were, a supple-
ment to the library of Congress, and consist, for the most part, of complete sets
of the proceedings and transactions of all the learned societies in the world, and
of other serials essential for reference by students specially engaged in original
scientific research. The efforts of the Institution to carry out this plan, which
has since been sanctioned by Congress, have been eminently successful. Princi-
pally through exchanges, and occasionally by purchase, a more complete collection
of the works above mentioned has been procured than is to be found in any
library of the United States, or is easily met with even in Europe. The
Institution has been assisted in making this collection by the liberality of many
of the older libraries of the eastern continent, which, on application, have furnished
from their duplicates volumes and even whole sets to complete series of works long
since out of print, and which, in some cases, could not have been obtained through
any other means. The Library is also quite rich in monographic or special trea-
tises in the physical and natural sciences, lacking as yet, it is true, some of the
more expensive volumes, but still affording the means of prosecuting almost any
scientific investigation.
One specialty of the Library consists of the large number of maps and charts,
obtained by exchange from geographical and hydrographical establishments, &c.
This collection is as complete as any in the country.
No effort is spared to render the Library of the Institution conducive to the
advance of science. Several editions of the catalogue of serial works have been
published.
As in most libraries of special character, and, indeed, in most large public
libraries, the public are allowed free access to the library room during office hours,
but are not generally permitted to take books away. When, however, any appli-
cant is known to be engaged in the prosecution of original investigations, which
promise to advance science, and requires the assistance of books found in the
Smithsonian Library, they are freely lent, even to the remote portions of the
United States. Any losses which may occur by the adoption of this course are
more than compensated by the advantages derived from it.
The collection of engravings and works  in the  Smithsonian Library upon
THE   SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.
THE LIBRARY.
tbe history of art is believed to be one of the choicest in the country. It was
made by aa American gentleman distinguished as a scholar no less than as a
statesman, with a special design of illustrating the process and resources of the
art of engraving, in all its branches, from its early masters to its present time.
This collection contains some of the best works of nearly every engraver of much
celebrity. There is one portfolio of the works of Albert Durer, containing twenty
engravings on copper and two on iron by his own hand—and among them most
of his best and rarest works ; about sixty fine copies on copper, including the
famous seventeen by Marc Antonio ; thirteen diffère at portraits of Durer, and a
large number of wood cuts engraved by him or under his inspection. Another port-
folio contains a large collection of the etchings of Eembrandt, including some of
his most beautiful pieces, particulary the u Christ Healing the Sick," an early
and fine impression. There is a portfolio of two hundred engravings and etchings,
py Claude Lorraine, Hollar, and Bega ; a portfolio of superb portraits by Nanteuil,
Wille, Edelink, and others, among them a first impression of the "Louis XIV in
THE   SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.
15
armor," by Nanteuil; a portfolio of prints from the old Italian masters, comprising
many that are extremely rare ; and another from the old German masters, containing
about one hundred prints, many of them scarce and of great beauty. There are,
besides, five portfolios of sheet engravings, including very choice prints. Among
them are thirty-one which are valued by Longhi at fifteen hundred dollars.
Among the galleries and published collections, are the " Musée Royal/' in two
volumes folio, proofs before the letter, a superb copy; Denon's " Monumens des
Arts du Dessin," in four volumes folio, of which only two hundred and fifty copies
were published ; Baillie's Works, one hundred plates, folio ; Thorwaldsen'a
Works, four volumes, folio ; Hogarth's Works, folio, and the German edition in
quarto ; The Boydell Gallery, two volumes, folio ; Boydell's " Shakspeare Gal-
lery," a remarkably good copy, containing many proofs before the letter, numerous
etchings and several progressive plates ; Claude's " Liber Veritatis," an original
copy, three volumes, folio ; The Houghton Gallery, two volumes, folio ; Cham-
berlain's Drawings in the Royal Collection, one volume, folio ; Rembrandt's
Drawings, one volume, quarto; Da Vinci's Drawings, one volume, quarto;
''Galerie de Florence;" Angerstein Gallery; Ancient Sculpture, by the Dilet-
tanti Society ; Perrault's " Hommes Illustres ;" Sadeler's Hermits ; " Theuer-
dank,'' afine copy of the very rare edition of 1519; Meyrick's Armor; Hope's
Ancient Costumes, and more than one hundred volumes besides, mostly in folio
or quarto, either composed entirely of valuable engravings, or in which the text is
published for the sake of the illustrations of fine or decorative art.
The collection of critical and historical works, in the various departments of
the fine arts, comprises several hundred volumes of the best works in the English,
French, German, and Italian languages, including whatever is mostly needed by
the student of art in all its bran-ches.
 §oi|ff)
In the large hall at the south entrance to the building are a number of
articles of special interest. The most prominent of these is the ancient
SARCOPHAGUS, which, was brought to this country on the frigate Con-
stitution, by Commodore Elliott, from Beirut, in Syria, in 1839. This Sar-
cophagus was believed to be the repository of the remains of a Roman
Emperor, and was intended for those of President Andrew Jackson. The
General, however, refused to accept the gift, saying "I cannot consent that
my mortal body shall be laid in a repository prepared for an Emperor or a
King—my republican feelings and principles forbid it—the simplicity of our
system of Government forbids it."
A plank from the redwood tree, and a piece of baric from the famous giant
tree of California, will attract attention, as well as an immense mass of copper
from Lake Superior, and a living Alligator from Georgia.
Among the most interesting objects in this part of the collection are several idols
from Central America, presented by Hon. E. G- Squier, late United States Minis-
16
THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.
Till,!,.:
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ter to Nicaragua. The largest statue, carved in black basalt, was obtained from
the Island of Momotombita, in Lake Managua, where there was a temple or sacred
place. The figure with the sphinx-like head-dress is also from the same locality.
One or two of the other statues, by the Indians of the Pueblo of Subtiava, near
Leon, having been buried a great number of years, and the locality carefully con-
cealed, they are somewhat mutilated. A small group of these monuments exists
in the depths of the forest midway between Leon and the Pacific, which is still
secretly visited by the Indians for the performance of dances and other rites
pertaining to their primitive religion. The small figure resembling some animal
couchant was, until very recently, preserved on a remarkable rock on the side of
the volcano of Omatepec, and regarded with high veneration by the Indians. It
was only after many years of search that the priests were able to find and remove
it. The granite vase, distinguished by the ornaments ealled grecques bv Hum-
boldt, (and which characterize the ruins at Mitla, in Mexico,) was dug up near
the city of Nicaragua.    The spot had been a cemetery of the ancient inhabitants.
THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.
17
Anotfier relic of the same material, and with a like style of ornament, accompanies
the vase, and was found in the same neighborhood. It seems to have been de
signed as a pedestal for a small statue. There are also several vases, in which
the bones and ashes of the dead were packed after the decomposition of the flesh
or after burning.
The largest and most elaborate monuments in Nicaragua exist in the littlo
Island of Pensacola, near the base of the extinct vplcano of Momobacho. They
weigh a number of tons each, and are distinguished as being wrought from blocks
of sandstone—a material which is not found on the island. Two of the statues
of the Smithsonian collection are from the Island of Zapatero, in Lake Nicaragua,
where once existed one of the most imposing aboriginal temples of the country.
Here, among the ruins of the teocalli, or high-places of the former inhabitants,
were found entire statues, besides the fragments of many others, several broken
sacrificial stones, etc.
The Smithsonian Institution is now in possession of the best collection of the
larger North American and European mammalia, both skins and skeletons, to be
found in the United States. In birds it is only second to the collection of the
Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences—the latter being without doubt the
most extensive and perfect now extant. Of fish the Smithsonian has a greater
number than is to be found in any cabinet, except that of Professor Agassiz.

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18
THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.
LABORATORY OP NATURAL  HISTORY
It should be understood that the Smithsonian Institution does not enter upon
grounds already occupied, and therefore it is not an object to collect specimens
promiscuously, or those usually found in other museums. Still the collection of
this Institution is now attractive to the general visitor and curiosity seeker; and the
student of natural history will here find much that will be sought in vain else-
where. Duplicate specimens are often exchanged for those in other collections,
and all the objects are open for the study and examination of those engaged in
this line of research. Applications for such facilities are numerous, and have al-
ways been granted. The preparation of most of the important papers on natural
history published within a few years in this country has been aided in this way
by the Institution.
The act of Congress establishing the Institution provides as follows :—
Sec. 6. That, in proportion as suitable arrangements can be made for their reception, all
objects of art and of foreign and curious research, and all objects of natural history, plants,
and geological and mineralogical specimens belonging, or hereafter to belong, to the United
States, which may be in the city of Washington, in whosesoever custody the same may be,
shall be delivered to such persons as may be authorized by the Board of Regents to receive
them, and shall be arranged in such order, and so classed, as best facilitate the exam-
ination and study of them, in the building so as aforesaid to be erected for the Institution ;
and the Regents of said Institution shall afterwards, as new specimens in natural history,
geology, or minerology, may be obtained for the museum of the Institution, by exchange of
duplicate specimens belonging to the Institution, (which they are hereby authorized to
make,) or by any donation, which they may receive, or otherwise, cause such new specimens
to be also appropriately classed and arranged.
THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.                                    19
Under these provisions, the Institution has received and taken charge of such
government collections in mineralogy, geology, and natural history as have been
made since its organization. The amount of these has been very great, as all the
United States Geological, Boundary and Railroad Surveys, with the various topo-
graphical, military, and naval explorations, have been, to a greater or less extent,
ordered to make such collections as would illustrate the physical and natural his-
tory features of the regions traversed.
Of the collections made by thirty government expeditions, those of twenty-five
are now deposited with the Smithsonian Institution, embracing more than five-
sixths of the whole amount of materials collected. The principal expeditions thus
furnishing collections are the United States Geological Surveys of Doctors Owen,
Jackson, and Evans, and of Messrs. Foster and Whitney ; the United States and
Mexican Boundary Survey ; the Pacific Railroad Survey ; the Exploration of the
Yellow Stone, by Lieutenant Warren ; the Survey of Lieutenant Bryan ; the
United States Naval Astronomical Expedition ; the North Pacific Behring Straits
Expedition ; the Japan Expedition, and the Paraguay Expedition.
The Institution has also received, from other sources, collections of greater 01
less extent, from various portions of North America, tending to complete the
government series.
The collections thus made, taken as a whole, constitute the largest and besl
series of the minerals, fossils, rocks, animals, and plants of the entire continent
of North America, in the world. Many tons of geological and mineralógica!
specimens, illustrating the surveys throughout the West, are embraced therein.
There is also a very large collection of minerals of the mining regions of Northern
Mexico, and of New Mexico, made by a practical Mexican geologist, during a period
of twenty-five years, and furnishing indications of many rich mining localities
within our own borders, yet unknown to the American people.
It includes, also, with scarcely an exception, all the vertebrate animals of North
America, among them many specimens each of the Grizzly, Cinniman, and Black
Bears ; the Panther, Jaguar, Ocelot, and several species of Lynx or Wildcat ;
the Elk, the Mexican, Virginian, White-tailed, Black-tailed, and Mule Deer ; the
Antelope, Rocky Mountain Goat and Sheep; several species of Wolves and
Foxes, the Badger, Beaver, Porcupine, Prairie Dog, Gopher, and also about seven
hundred species of American Birds, four hundred of Reptiles, and eight hundred
of Fishes, embracing Salmon, Trout, Pike, Pickerel, White Fish, Muskalonge,
Bass, Redfish, &c.
The greater part of the Mammalia have been arranged in walnut drawers,
made proof against dust and insects. The birds have been similarly treated,
while the reptiles and fish have been classified, as, to some extent, have also been
the shells, minerals, fossils, and plants.
The Museum hall is quite large enough to contain all the collections hitherto
made, as well as such others as may be assigned to it. No single room in the
country is, perhaps, equal to it in capacity or adaptation for its purposes, as, by
the arrangements now being perfected, and denoted in the illustration, it is capa-
20                                  THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.
ble of receiving twice as large a surface of cases as the old Patent Office hall, and
three times that of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. When
completely fitted, and specimens finally placed, the whole, taken together, will
present a most imposing appearance.
Every article will be distinctly and accurately labeled by naturalists of the
highest authority in each department, and the duplicates will be distributed to
the principal museums in the world.
Scientific catalogues are in course of preparation, and several have already
been published by the Institution, which can be obtained gratuitously by any
who are engaged in the study of the branch of natural history to which they
relate.
In the Museum hall maybe seen a meteorite, the largest specimen in this
country next to the Texas meteorite at Yale College.
It was brought to this country by Lieutenant Couch, of the United States
Army, he having obtained it at Saltillo. It was said to have come from the Sancha
estate, some fifty or sixty miles from Santa Rosa, in the north of Coahuiia ;
various accounts were given of the precise locality, but none seemed very satisfac*
tory. When first seen by Lieutenant Couch, it was used as an anvil, and had
been originally intended for the Society of G-eography and Statistics in the city of
Mexico. It is said, that where this mass was found there are many others of
enormous size ; but such stories, however, are to be received with many allow-
ances. Mr. Weidner, of the mines of Freiberg, states, that near the southwestern
edge of the Balsón de Mapimi, on the route to the mines of Parral, there is a
meteorite near the road of not less than a ton weight. Lieutenant Couch also
states, that the intelligent, but almost unknown, Dr. Berlandier, writes in his
journal of the Commission of Limits, that at the hacienda of Venagas, there was
(1827) a piece of iron that would make a cylinder one yard in length, with a
diameter of ten inches. It was said to have been brought from the mountains
near the hacienda.    It presented no crystalline structure, and was quite ductile.
Jlfe
Another Meteorite to be seen here is still more curious and interesting, from
its remarkable size and appearance. It is in the shape of a ring much heavier
on one side. Its greatest exterior diameter is 49 inches ; the least 38 inches ;
width of central opening 23 inches; width of thickest part of the ring Ill-
inches. It weighs 1400 lbs. Its composition is principally of iron. It was
discovered in Sonora by Jesuit missionaries, brought to Tucson in Arizona,
and was sent, through the influence of Dr. Irwin, U. S. A., by Mr. Augustine
Ainsa, to Hermosillo. In May, 1863, Mr. Jesus Ainsa brought it to San
Francisco, and shipped it to the Smithsonian Institution.    {See p. 10.)
THE  SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.                               21
The following is a sketch of the labors of the Institution, and illustrates the
capability of the plan of operations for producing important results in the way of
increasing and diffusing knowledge among men:—
Publications.—Three classes are issued.
1.  A quarto series, entitled "Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge,"
issued in volumes, each containing one or more separate articles.    This includes
memoirs, embracing the records of extended original investigations and researches,
resulting in what are believed to be new truths, and constituting positive additions
to the sum of human knowledge.
2.   An octavo series, entitled "Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections,"
consisting of reports on the present state of our knowledge of particular branches
of science; instructions for collecting and digesting facts and materials for research;
lists and synopses of species of the organic and inorganic world; museum cata-
logues; reports of explorations; aids to bibliographical investigations, etc., gene-
rally prepared at the express request of the Institution, and at its expense.
3.   Another octavo series, consisting of the Annual Reports of the Institution
to Congress, called " Smithsonian Reports."    These include the official reports
of the Secretary to the Board of Regents of the operations and condition of the
Institution; the reports of Committees of the Board; abstracts of lectures delivered
before the Institution; extracts from correspondence; original or translated articles
relating to the history and progress of science, etc.
The following rules have been observed in the distribution of the first and second
series :
1.  They are presented to all learned societies of the first class which publish
transactions, and give copies of these, in exchange to the Institution.
2.  To all foreign libraries of the first class, provided they give in exchange their
catalogues and other publications, or an equivalent, from their duplicate volumes.
3.  To all the colleges in actual operation in this country, provided they furnish,
in return, meteorological observations, catalogues of their libraries and of their
students, and all other publications issued by them relative to their organization
and history.
4.  To all States and Territories, provided they give, in return, copies of all docu-
ments published under their authority.
5.  To all incorporated public libraries in this country, not included in any of
the foregoing classes, now containing 10,000 volumes; and to smaller libraries,
where a whole State or large district would be otherwise unsupplied.
Institutions devoted exclusively to the promotion of particular branches of
knowledge, receive such articles published by the Institution as relate to their
objects. Portions of the series are also given to institutions of lesser grade not
entitled, under the above rules, to the full series, and also to the meteorological
correspondents of the Institution.
The Reports are of a more popular character, and are presented :
22                               THE  SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
1.  To all the meteorological observers and other collaborators of the Institution.
2.   To donors to its Library or Museum.
3.   To colleges and other educational establishments.
4.  To public libraries and literary and scientific societies.
5.  To teachers or individuals who are engaged in special studies, and who make
direct application for them.
Besides the works which have been published entirely at the expense of the In-
stitution, aid has been furnished by subscription for copies to be distributed to
foreign libraries of a number of works which fall within the class adopted by the
programme. The principal works of this kind for which subscriptions have been
made are as follows: Agassiz's Contributions to Natural History, Gould's Astro-
nomical Journal, Shea's American Linguistics, Runkle's Mathematical Monthly,
Deane's Fossil Footprints, Tuomey & Holmes' Fossils of South Carolina, Peirce's
Analytic Mechanics.
Meteorology.—The investigation of all questions relative to meteorology has
been an object to which the Institution has devoted special attention, and one of
its first efforts was to organize a voluntary system of observation, which should
extend as widely as possible over the whole of the North American continent. It
induced a skilful artisan, under its direction, to commence the manufacture of care-
fully compared and accurately graduated instruments, now generally known as
the Smithsonian standards. It prepared and furnished a series of instructions for
the use of the instruments and the observations of meteorological phenomena; also
three series of blank forms as registers.
It next organized a body of intelligent observers, and in a comparatively short
time brought the system into practical operation; each year the number of observers
increased, and where one ceased his connection with the enterprise, several came
forward to supply his place. By an arrangement with the Surgeon General of the
army, the observations made at the United States military posts in different parts
of the country, and also the system which had previously been established by the
State of New York, were remodelled so as to harmonize with that of the Institu-
tion. Gentlemen interested in science residing in the British provinces, and at
nearly all the posts of the Hudson's Bay Company, also in Mexico, Central Ame-
rica, the West Indies, and some places in South America, &c, joined in this enter-
prise. All these contribute their services without compensation. Their only re-
ward is the satisfaction of co-operating with each other and the Institution in the
effort to supply data and materials for investigation. Any returns, indeed, which
the Institution has in its power to make are gladly rendered in a hearty acknow-
ledgment of assistance, and in copies of all the Smithsonian publications likely to
be of interest.
The publications of the Institution contain many memoirs which have tended
to advance the science of meteorology. Among these may be mentioned the me-
teorological and physical tables prepared at the expense of the Institution by Pro-
fessor Guyot, and filling a large octavo volume of the Miscellaneous Collections.
THE  SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.                               23
No work extant answers the same purpose with the one referred to, which has
hence become a general standard of reference, the constant demand for it as well
in Europe as America having required the printing of several successive editions.
The results of the reductions for five years previous to 1860 have been published
in two volumes of nearly 2,000 quarto pages, containing a mass of materials of
great value in determining the average temperature, fall of rain, barometrical
pressure, moisture, direction of the wind, and time of various periodical pheno-
mena relative to plants, animals, &c.
In addition to these large and important volumes, other works have been pub-
lished by the Institution which have had a marked influence on the progress of
meteorology. Among these may be mentioned the works of Professor Coffin, on
the winds of the Northern Hemisphere; of Mr. Chappelsmith, on a tornado in
Illinois; of Professor Loomis, on a great storm which pervaded both America and
Europe; the reduced observations for twenty-eight years of Professor Caswell, at
Providence, Rhode Island; of Dr. Smith, for twenty years in Arkansas; of Dr.
Kane and Captain McClintock, in the Arctic Seas; on the heat and light of the
sun at different points, by Mr. Meech ; on the secular period of the aurora, by
Professor Olmsted; the occurrence of auroras in the Arctic regions, by Mr. P.
Force, &c.
Besides these, a series of meteorological essays embodying many of the results
obtained from the investigations at the Institution has been prepared by the Secre-
tary, and been published in the Agricultural Reports of the Patent Office.
Astronom?/.—The Institution has advanced the science of astronomy both by its
publications and the assistance rendered to observers. To facilitate astronomical
observations it prepared and published for six years an annual list of occultations
of the principal stars by the moon, and printed and distributed a series of tables
for determining the perturbations of the planetary motions, the object of which
determination is to facilitate the calculation of the places of the heavenly bodies.
These tables have accomplished the desired end, saving to the practical astronomer
an immense amount of tedious and monotonous labor.
The name of the Institution has been favorably connected with the history of
the interesting discovery of the planet Neptune. From a few of the first obser-
vations which had been made on this planet, Mr. Sears C. Walker calculated its
approximate orbit, and by this means tracing its path through its whole revolution
of 166 years, he was enabled to carry it backward until it fell among a cluster of
stars, accurately mapped by Lalande, towards the close of the last century. After
minute inspection he was led to conclude that one of the stars which had been
observed by Lalande in 1795, was the planet Neptune. He was thus supplied
with the amount of its motion for upwards of fifty years, from which he deduced
a much more perfect orbit, and was enabled to construct an ephemeris giving the
place of the planet for several years in succession. These investigations, so inter-
esting to astronomy and honorable to this country, were prosecuted and published
at the expense of the Smithsonian Institution.
24                                 THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.
To render more generally accessible to practical astronomers in this country the
theory of the motion of the heavenly bodies by the celebrated Gauss, the Institu-
tion shared the expense of publishing a translation of this treatise from the Latin,
by Admiral Davis. It furnishes a complete system of formulas for computing the
movements of a body in any of the curves belonging to the class of conic sections,
and a general method of determining the orbit of a planet or a comet from three
observations, as seen from the earth.
For a number of years aid was afforded to the publication of Gould's American
Astronomical Journal, which rendered good service to the science by making
promptly known to foreign observers the results of the labors of their contempo-
raries in America. It has also reduced and published at its own expense the as-
tronomical observations made by Dr. Kane in the Arctic regions, and has now in
hand those which were made in the same regions by Dr. Hayes.
Congress having authorized, in 1849, an astronomical expedition under Lieuten-
ant G-illiss to the Southern Hemisphere, for the purpose of determining the paral-
lax of the planets, and consequently their distance from the sun, by observations
on Venus and Mars, accidentally failed to make the appropriation for instruments.
This omission was supplied by the Institution, which was subsequently indemnified
for the expense by the Chilian government.
In the observation of all the large solar eclipses which have happened since the
date of its organization, the Institution has actively and efficiently co-operated by
publishing projections of the phases and times of their occurrence in different parts
of America.
Under its auspices, and partly at its expense, an expedition was inaugurated to
observe the great eclipse of 1858 in Peru, from which data of value for the im-
provement of solar and lunar tables were determined, besides facts of interest in
regard to the physical constitution of the sun.
Assistance was also rendered to the expeditions under the direction of the Coast
Survey, to observe the eclipse of July 18, 1860, one of which was sent to Labrador,
under the charge of Professor S. Alexander, of New Jersey, and the other to
Washington Territory, under that of Lieutenant Gilliss.
To these may be added an account of an instrument invented by Kev. T. Hill,
President of Harvard College, for the projection of eclipses.
Physics and Chemistry.—The Institution has fostered these sciences in many
different ways ; among others, by importing models of the most approved articles
of apparatus, and making them known to scientific men through lectures and
otherwise.
It has instituted an extensive series of experiments on building materials, par-
ticularly in reference to those employed by the government in the construction of
the Capitol and other public edifices; also a like series on acoustics, as applied to
public halls, and the principles deduced from these practically applied in the con-
struction of a model lecture room. It has made a very extended series of experi-
ments on different substances employed for light-house illumination, from which
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.                               25
has resulted the substitution of another material for sperm oil, and the consequent
annual saving of a large amount of money to the government.
In compliance with requests made by different departments of the government,
and of Congress, particularly since the war, it has conducted various series of in-
vestigations, principally in relation to questions involving mechanical, chemical,
and physical principles, and has made reports on subjects of this kind amounting,
in the aggregate, to several hundred.
To facilitate researches, a laboratory has been established and kept constantly
in working condition, the privilege of using it having been given to various com-
petent persons for experimenting in different branches of physical science.
The most important publications under this head are the researches relative to
electric currents, by Professor Secchi; on the explosibility of nitre, by Dr. Hare;
on the ammonia-cobalt bases, by Drs. Gibbs and Genth; and on astronomical
photography, by Dr. Henry Draper.
A valuable report on recent improvements in the chemical arts, by Booth &
Morfit, was published in 1852, and there have been given in the Annual Reports
of the Institution a series of translations and articles presenting a view of the
progress of physics and chemistry from year to year, since 1853, among which
we may particularly notice the translation of Müller on recent contributions to
electricity, and the reprint of Powell on radiant heat.
Terrestrial Magnetism.—The subject of terrestrial magnetism has been prose-
cuted simultaneously with that of meteorology, and an observatory was erected in
the Smithsonian grounds, fitted up with the most approved instruments, and con-
ducted under the joint auspices of the Institution and of the Coast Survey. After
remaining in operation for several years, the instruments were transferred to Key
West, as a remote station where observations were still more desirable. Instru-
ments were also furnished an expedition to Mexico, and used with much success
by Mr. Sonntag, whose results were published in the Smithsonian Contributions
to Knowledge. Apparatus was also furnished to Dr. Kane, Dr. Hayes, and other
explorers, by means of which valuable results were obtained.
Of the more important publications of the Institution, which have tended to
advance this science, may be mentioned the articles, by Dr. Locke, on the dip and
intensity; the elaborate discussion, by Professor Bache, of the magnetic observa-
tions made at Girard College from 1841 to 1845; the report on magnetical obser-
vations in the Arctic Seas, by Dr. Kane, reduced at the expense of the Institution,
by Mr. C. Schott; and those made in Pennsylvania and adjacent States, by Pro-
fessor Bache, and in Mexico, by Mr. Sonntag.
Explorations,—In the deficiency of means for more extended operations, the
efforts of the Institution in the line of explorations and collection are confined, as
strictly as possible, to America. Arctic America, all the unknown portions of the
United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the West Indies have been
laid under contribution for facts and materials by which to advance science.
26                               THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
An eminently useful influence has been exerted by the Institution through the
aid it has afforded in the organization of the different government explorations by
land and by sea. Whether by official representations to the heads of departments,
or personal influence with officers and employés, it has secured the engagement of
individuals competent to collect facts and specimens; it has instructed persons thus
engaged, and others, in the details of observation; it has superintended the pre-
paration, and, in some cases, borne the expense of the necessary outfits; has fur-
nished fresh supplies from time to time to the collectors while in the field; received
the collections made, and preserved them for future study, or at once consigned
them to the hands of competent persons, both at home and abroad, for investiga-
tion ; directing the execution of the necessary drawings and engravings for the
reports, and finally superintending the printing and even the distribution of any
available copies of the completed works to institutions of science. Prior to the
establishment of the Institution but little had been done by our government in
the way of scientific explorations, with the exception of that under Captain Wilkes.
But since then nearly every United States expedition, whether a survey for a
Pacific railroad route, a boundary line between the United States and regions north
or south of it, or within its borders, a wagon-road across the Kocky Mountains, or
an ordinary topographical exploration, has been influenced and aided more or less3
as above stated.
-Besides these, similar explorations have been carried on without any reference
to the government, and either entirely or in a great measure at the expense of the
Institution, and always at its suggestion, or under its direction. Prominent among
these may be mentioned the three years' researches in the Arctic regions, by Mr.
Kennicott, with the co-operation of gentlemen of the Hudson's Bay Company ; of
Mr. Drexler, in the region of Hudson's Bay, and also in the Rocky Mountains;
of Mr. Coues, in Labrador; of Lieutenant Feilner, in Nebraska and Northern
California; of Mr. John Xantus, at Fort Tejon, Cape St. Lucas, and in Western
Mexico; of Lieutenant Trowbridge, on the coast of California; of Drs. Cooper
and Suckley, in Western America generally; of Drs. Coues and Beers, in Kansas,
New Mexico, and Arizona; of Dr. Irwin, in Arizona; of Dr. Hitz, about Laramie
Peak; of Lieutenant Couch, in Texas and Mexico; of G. Wurdeman, Lieutenant
Wright, Captain Woodbury, and others, in Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico; of
Dr. Sartorius, Professor Sumichrast, Dr. Berendt, in Mexico; Dr. Von Frantz, J.
Carniol, in Costa Rica; of Mr. March, in Jamaica; of Mr. Wright, Dr. Gundlach,
Professor Poey, in Cuba; Judge Carter, in Bolivia, besides many others.
In addition to the collections which have been received from explorations organ-
ized under the direction of the Institution, large numbers of duplicate specimens
have been presented by the meteorological observers and other Smithsonian col-
laborators, the whole forming a body of material for the illustration and study of
the American continent unequalled by any collection previously made. The results
of the explorations, however, as might be inferred, have not been confined to spe-
cimens alone, but have furnished information relative to the topography, geology,
physical geography, ethnology, and the living fauna of the country and regions
visited.
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.                               27
The results have been published by government, the Institution, or other parties.
The extent and importance of these publications may be seen in the volumes of
the reports of the Pacific Railroad and Mexican boundary surveys ; of the United
States astronomical expedition to Chili, under the late lamented Captain Gilliss;
of Captain Stansbury's exploration of Utah; of Lieutenant Michler's of the Isthmus
of Darien, &c. &c ; in the volumes of the Smithsonian publications, and in the
transactions of nearly all the scientific institutions in the United States.
In order to facilitate the operations of collectors, a series of directions and cir-
culars have been prepared and widely distributed, for collecting, preserving, and
transporting specimens of natural history, and also special instructions as to the
collecting of nests, eggs, shells, insects, &c.
Description and Distribution of Collections and Specimens.—The object of
making these collections, in conformity with the policy of the Institution, was not
merely to supply a large museum in Washington with permanent specimens or
duplicates for exchange, but to furnish the naturalists of the world with the mate-
rials for advancing the science of the natural history of North America, and of
facilitating the study of its various branches by supplying museums, both in the
United States and in Europe, with sets of type specimens.
In pursuance of this object, full sets of the specimens collected have been sub-
mitted to a large number of naturalists, both in this country and abroad, for cri-
tical study and description, and it is not too much to say that scarcely a mono-
graphic investigation has been conducted for ten years past in any branch of
American zoology which has not derived part or the whole of its material from the
Smithsonian collections. Duplicates of the specimens, when described, have been
made up into series for distribution, always accurately labelled, and are usually
types of some published investigation. The average of such distribution has, for
the last ten years, been at least ten thousand specimens annually, while the dis-
tribution of 1864 amounted to nearly five thousand species and seventeen thousand
specimens. In this way all the older museums in this country and Canada have
been largely increased, and the foundation for several new establishments of a
similar kind has been furnished. To all colleges and academies making special
application, labelled specimens have also been presented.
This distribution of specimens is very different from the ordinary exchanges
conducted between institutions or individuals, which usually involve the return of
an equivalent. The question with the Smithsonian Institution is, not what can
be had in return, but where a particular specimen or series of specimens can be
placed so as best to advance the cause of science, by being most accessible to the
largest number of students engaged in original investigations.
Paleontology, Geology, Physical Geography, &c.—Appropriations have been
made for investigations of the surface formation of the Connecticut valley, by
Professor E. Hitchcock, and for the collection of materials for the illustration of the
geology and palaeontology of particular regions. Appropriation has also been
made to Professor Guyot for a barometrical survey of the different parts of the
28                               THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
Alleghany Mountains, and to other persons for collecting observations on heights,
as determined in different parts of the country by the various canal and railway
surveys*
The publications on these subjects, besides the papers of Professor Hitchcock
on surface geology, are as follows : A Memoir on Mosasaurus, by Dr. K. W. Gibbs.
On the Extinct Species of the Fossil Ox and Sloth of North America, and on the
Ancient Fauna of Nebraska, by Dr. Leidy. On the Physical Geography of the
Mississippi Valley, by Charles Eilet. On the Law of Deposit of Flood Tide, by
Admiral Davis. On the Fluctuations of the Level of the great American Lakes,
by C. Whittlesey. On the Palaeontology of the Upper Missouri, and Check List
of Miocene Cretaceous and Jurassic Invertebrata, by F. B. Meek. A Memoir, by
Dr. Leidy, on the Extinct Reptiles of the Cretaceous period.
The Institution has published a check list of minerals, with their symbols, pre-
pared by Mr. Egleston, with special reference to facilitating the labelling of the
Smithsonian minerals and the exchange of specimens, and it may be mentioned
that the Institution has made an extensive distribution of specimens of building
stone employed by the government.
Botany.—This branch of general natural history has been advanced by the In-
stitution, not only by means of the publication of the papers of original memoirs,
but also by explorations and collections made at the expense of the Smithsonian
Fund. The most important work which has been published is a large quarto vo-
lume, illustrated by expensive colored plates, of the sea plants of the entire Ame-
rican coast. The work was written for the Institution by Dr. Harvey, of the
University of Dublin, and has been the means of rendering this family of the
vegetable kingdom more generally known. The Institution has also published
several papers on the plants of New Mexico and California, by Dr. Gray, of Cam-
bridge, and Dr. Torrey, of New York.
Duplicates of the specimens described have been presented to institutions at
home and abroad. Considerable labor has also been expended in the preparation
of an original report on the forest trees of America, by Dr. Gray.
General Zoology.—A large part of the collections made by the Institution
belong to the general class of zoology, intended to advance the study of animal
life upon the continent of America.
The ornithology of America has always been a specialty of the Smithsonian
Institution, more efforts having been made to perfect its collection in this depart-
ment than any other. The Institution has published the first part of a work by
Dr. T. M. Brewer, suitably illustrated, on the distribution and habits of North
American birds during the breeding season, with descriptions and figures of their
eggs, the materials being derived entirely from the collections of the Institution,
and mostly made at its special request. This is the first separate work on North
American zoology ever prepared. A catalogue of North American birds, prepared
by Professor S. F. Baird, has been extensively used at home and abroad in label-
ling collections.
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.                               29
Professor Baird has prepared a revision, or posting up, of our knowledge of
North American ornithology to the present date, with the addition of the species
of Central and South America and the West Indies. The materials being derived
almost entirely from the specimens collected by the Institution, have been increased
since the publication of the extensive work on the same subject, by Professor
Baird, in the Pacific Railroad report, from 12,000 to 35,000.
The collections which have been made by the Institution for the illustration of
mammalia have been very extensive, amounting to 6,000 specimens, and have not
only included many duplicates of every species previously known, but a very large
number entirely new to science. A catalogue of North American mammals,
chiefly those collected by the Institution, prepared by Professor Baird, has been
published and distributed to those interested in the study; also a monograph of
North American bats, prepared by Dr. H. Allen. Materials are now in course of
accumulation to complete the account of the classes of mammals of North Ame-
rica, which have not been included in the publications of the Institution and
Pacific Railroad Reports.
As with all American vertebrata, the collections of reptiles and fishes have been
very extensive, and numerous monographs or articles have been published relative
to them in the Pacific Railroad Reports, and the proceedings of different natural
history societies, the Institution having published a synopsis of the serpents of
North America, and a monograph of the cottoids.
The Institution has materially aided the study of the entomology of this country,
not only by the collections in that branch, but by preparing and publishing a series
of works for the purpose of exhibiting the state of knowledge on the subject, and
facilitating its further advancement. It has published and distributed the follow-
ing under this head :—
Instructions for collecting and preserving insects, and catalogues, synopses, or
monographs of the Díptera, Coleóptera, Lepidoptera, and Neuroptera, prepared by
the most competent authorities in Europe and America.
It has also in course of preparation, works relative to the Hymenoptera, Ho-
moptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, &c.
Conchology.—A large collection of specimens of shells was received from the
United States exploring expedition, which has been much increased by subsequent
additions. All the shells of the west coast of the United States, and those gene-
rally collected by the exploring expedition, were put into the hands of Mr. P. P.
Carpenter, of England, the new ones described for publication, and the duplicates
of the whole arranged for distribution to museums, colleges, and other establish-
ments. The publications on this subject are, Lists of North American Shells,
Circulars Relative to Collecting, an Elementary Introduction to the Study of
Conchology, and an extensive work, in two octavo volumes, on the Bibliography
of North American Conchology, by W. Gr. Binney, and a Monograph of the Cor
biculidse, by Temple Prime. Besides these, a number of articles are in the press
or in course of preparation.
SO                               THE  SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
Microscopy.—Encouragement has been given to this branch of science, by im-
porting, as samples, simple forms of working microscopes, and also by stimulating
jour native artists to greater exertion in the construction of this instrument, by
ordering the best that could be produced. Samples of microscopic organisms have
been collected and distributed to observers, and examinations and reports have been
made on a large number of this class of objects sent to the Institution. The pub-
lications in regard to this subject are a number of papers by Professor Bailey, of
West Point, and a very interesting Memoir, by Dr. Leidy, of Philadelphia, on a
Fauna and Flora within Living Animals.
Physiology.—No experiments on this subject have beon made under the imme-
diate direction of the Institution, although it has furnished the materials for inves-
tigation by other parties. The publications in regard to it are Chemical and
Physical Researches concerning North American Vertebrata, by Dr. J. Jones;
Researches upon the Venom of the Rattlesnake, with an investigation of the Ana-
tomy and Physiology of the Organs Concerned, by Dr. S. W. Mitchell; on the
Breathing Organs of Turtles, by Drs. Mitchell and Morehouse; on the Anatomy
of the Nervous System of Rana Pipiens, by Dr. J. Wyman; and on the Medulla
Oblongata, by Dr. John Dean.
Ethnology and Philology.—One of the earliest efforts on the part of the Insti-
tution, was directed to the advancement of the science of American Ethnology.
Its first publication, as well as introductory volume to the series of Smithsonian
Contributions to Knowledge, being the work of Squier and Davis, on the Ancient
Monuments of the Mississippi Valley, remains the standard treatise on this sub-
ject. This was followed by a similar work on the Antiquities of New York, by
Mr. Squier; and those of Wisconsin, by Mr. Lapham; of Ohio and of Lake
Superior, by Mr. Whittlesey; a Memoir on some Antiquities of Mexico, by Brantz
Mayer; and a general introduction to the whole subject of American Archaeology,
by Mr. Haven, besides many articles of less extent in one or another of the Smith-
sonian series. Several pamphlets of instructions for making observations and
collections in this science have also been issued.
In the department of Philology, also, the Institution has evinced its zeal and
activity by the publication, among others, of the elaborate work on the Dakota
Language, by Mr. Riggs; that on the Yoruba Language, by Mr. Bowen; and that
on the Chinook Jargon, by Mr. Turner and Mr. Gribbs. To Mr. Shea, of New
York, who is engaged in the preparation of a library of American languages,
annual appropriations from the funds of the Institution have been made in further-
ance of the publication of linguistic memoirs furnished by its correspondents.
Systematic efforts have been directed by the Institution to the collection of as
perfect a series as possible of the specimens of American antiquities, and of those
illustrative of the habits of the modern native tribes. Already an extensive col-
lection has been accumulated, and the preparation and distribution of a series of
colored casts of the more interesting specimens of aboriginal art have been com-
menced.
THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.                               31
Correspondence.—The Institution has constantly received a large number of
communications, asking information on a variety of subjects, particularly in regard
to the solution of scientific questions, the names and characters of objects of natural
history, and the analysis of soils, minerals, and other materials which pertain to
the industrial resources of the country. Answers have in all cases been given to
these inquiries, either directly by the officers of the Institution, or by reports from
the Smithsonian collaborators. A considerable portion of the correspondence
burned in the office of the secretary was of this character. The loss in this case
is to be regretted, not only on account of the valuable information the letters and
answers contained, but also on account of the illustration they afforded of the in-
fluence of the Institution, and the condition of the public mind at a given time.
Every subject connected with science which strongly attracts popular attention,
never fails to call forth a large number of inquiries and suggestions.
International Exchanges.—To facilitate the direct correspondence between the
learned institutions and scientific men of the two worlds, and the free exchange
of their publications, has, from the first, been a special object of attainment with
the Smithsonian Institution. Year by year its plans for this purpose have been
modified and improved, until the system has become as nearly complete and satis-
factory as the funds and force at its disposal will allow. At the present day it is
the great medium of scientific intercommunication between the New World and the
Old; its benefits and services being recognized alike by individuals, institutions,
and governments. Its parcels pass all the custom-houses without question or in-
terference, while American and foreign lines of transportation, with rare excep-
tions, vie with each other in the extent of the privileges accorded to it. To so
great an extent has its sphere of activity been enlarged, that it is no exaggeration
to say that a very large proportion of all international exchanges of the kind re-
ferred to are now made through its instrumentality. At the present time the In-
stitution is prepared to receive, at periods made known through its circulars, any
books or pamphlets of scientific, literary, or benevolent character which any in-
stitutions or individuals in America may wish to present to a correspondent else-
where, subject only to the condition of being delivered in Washington freo of cost,
and of being accompanied by a separate list of the parcels sent. Where any party
may have special works to distribute, the Institution is always prepared to furnish
a list of suitable recipients. In many cases where works of value have been pub-
lished by the United States or State governments, likely to be of importance to
students abroad, application has been made by the Institution for copies, in most
cases with success. The articles and volumes, when received, are assorted and
combined into packages, and these, after being properly addressed and inclosed in
boxes, are despatched to the agents of the Institution in London, Leipsic, Paris,
and Amsterdam. The boxes are there unpacked, and the contents distributed
through the proper channels; the returns for these transmissions are received by
the same agents, and boxed and forwarded to Washington, from which point the
parcels for other parties are sent to their proper destination.    All the expense of
32                               THE  SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
packing, boxing, agencies, freights, &c, being borne by the Institution, with the
exception of the local conveyance of single parcels by express, or otherwise, within
the United States.
íítói
On the 24th of January, 1865, a fire occurred at the Institution, which caused
the destruction of the upper part of the main building, and the towers. The loss
to the Institution was as follows: 1. The official, scientific, and miscellaneous cor-
respondence, record books, and manuscripts in the Secretary's office. 2. The large
collection of apparatus. 3. The personal effects of Smithson. 4. A large stock
of tools and instruments. 5. .All the duplicate copies of Smithsonian Reports on
hand for distribution. 6. The wood-cuts of illustrations used in the Smithsonian
publications.
Besides these, Mr. Stanley lost his gallery of Indian portraits, which had been
deposited in the Institution for a number of years ; and a large quantity of private
property was destroyed belonging to persons connected with the Institution.
The fire, however, caused no interruption in the business of the Institution;
the library, museum, and laboratory were uninjured; all its operations were carried
on as usual, and plans were immediately adopted for the reconstruction with fire-
proof materials of the parts of the building which had been damaged or destroyed.
The grounds around the building were laid out by the distinguished horticul-
turist and landscape gardener, Downing, but he died while engaged in the prose-
cution of his plans.
We are indebted to the editor of the "Rural New Yorker," for the following
remarks relative to this subject, and for the representation of the marble monu-
ment erected to his memory:—
"When the sad tidings of the death of Andrew Jackson Downing were announced,
many hearts were stricken, and many countenances saddened. Every lover of rural
life and rural taste felt that a friend, a brother, and a leader had fallen. The homes
of hundreds, from the foundation stone to the gable point, spoke of the departed—
even the trees and flowers of the garden told a tale of sadness. The furniture in
our parlors, the books in our libraries, spoke too plainly to our wounded hearts
of the loved and lost. Scarcely a city or village in our country but presented
some monument of his skill and taste, something to remind the people how great
and irreparable was their loss—cottages whose simple yet elegant adornings taught
how truly taste may be independent of wealth; windows tempting the eye from
loveliness within, to the glorious prospect without; stately trees that seemed to
guard like sentinels the sacred precincts of home, and village churches whose walls
THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.
and spires spoke of religion to the heart.
It was at once proposed, in all parts
of the country, by Horticultural and
other Societies, that some suitable monu-
ment should be erected to the memory
of Mr. Downing, and in 1852, the
American Pomológica! Society ap-
pointed a committee to superintend this
work. The design adopted by the com-
Jiittee was furnished by Calvert Vaux,
of Newburgh, N. Y., the late partner
of Mr. Downing, and the work executed
by Robert Launitz, an eminent sculptor
of New York. The monument was
erected in the grounds of the Smithson-
ian Institution, at Washington, and it is
worthy of remark, that Mr. Downing
was engaged in laying out and beautify-
ing these grounds at the time of his death.
The committee made their final report
at the Pomological meeting in Sep-
tember, 1856. The funds were supplied
by friends of Mr. Downing, in Philadel-
phia, Newburgh, Boston, Washington,
Louisville, Buffalo, and Rochester.
The principal design of the monument
consists in a large vase resting on a ped-
estal, the whole executed of the finest
Italian marble. The pattern of the vase
is taken from an antique of the chastest
school. The vase is four feet in height,
and measures three feet in diameter on its upper rim. The body is ornamented
with rich arabesque; acanthus leaves surround the lower part. The handles
rest on heads of satyrs, (the tutelar gods of groves and woods.) The pedestal,
resting on a carved base, and being surmounted with a carved cornice, has on each
side deep panels, relieved by carved mouldings. Each of the panels contains
an inscription j that upon the Northern Front reads as follows :
THIS TASE
Was erected by his Friends
IN MEMORY OF
ANDREW   JACKSON   DOWNING,
Who died July 28, 1852, aged 37 years.
DOWNING MONUMENT.
He was born, and lived,
Atkí died upon the Hudson River.
THE  SMITHSONIAN   INSTITUTION.
His life was devoted to the improvement of the national taste
in rural art,
an office for which his genius and the natural beauty amidst
which he lived had fully endowed him.
His success was as great as his genius, and for the death of few
public men,
was public grief ever more sincere.
When these grounds were proposed, he was at once
called to design them ;
but before they were completed be perished in the wreck of the
steamer Henry Clay.
His mind was singularly just, penetrating, and original.
His manners were calm, reserved, and courteous.
His personal memory
belongs to the friends who loved him ;
his fame to the country which honored and laments him.
inscription upon the Southern Front :
" The taste of an individual,
as well as that of a nation, will be in direct proportion to the
profound sensibility
with which he perceives the beautiful in natural scenery."
" Open wide, therefore,
the doors of your libraries and picture galleries,
all ye true republicans !
Build halls where knowledge shall be freely diffused among men,
and not shut up within the narrow walls of
narrower institutions.
Plant spacious parks in your cities,
and unclose their gates as wide as the gates of morning to the
whole people."
[Downing1 s Rural
IJpOQ the Eastern Front is inscribed :
" Weep no more,
For Lycidus your sorrow is not dead,
Sunk though he be beneath the wat'ry floor,
So sinks the day-star in the ocean bed,
And yet anon repairs his drooping head,
And tricks his beams, and with new spangled ore
Flames in the forehead of the morning sky ;
So Lycidus sunk low, but mounted high
Through the dear might of Him that walked the waves."
Upon the Western Front is this Inscription :
I climb the hill from end to end.
Of all the landscape underneath
I find no place that does not breathe
Some gracious memory of my friend
86                                  THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.
' Tis held that sorrow makes us wise,
Yet how much wisdom sleeps with thee,
Which not alone had guided me,
But served the seasons that may rise ;
And doubtless unto thee is given
A life that bears immortal fruit,
In such great offices as suit
The full grown energies of Heaven.
And love will last as pure and whole
As when he loved me here in time,
And at the spiritual prime
Re-waken with the dawning soul.
Oa the Base of the Pedestal is the following :
THIS   MEMORIAL
Was erected under a resolution passed at Philadelphia,
in Sept., 1852, by the
AMERICAN   POMOLOGICAL   SOCIETY,
of which Mr. Downing was one of the
original founders.
MARSHALL P. WILDER, President
The whole monument with its granite plinth is nine feet four inches in heig»
and cost SI «nn
THE  GATEWAY.