This series reports on the scientific, technical, and historical research conducted by Smithsonian staff and their professional colleagues, as well as on the collections of the various Smithsonian museums.

The emphasis upon publications as a means of diffusing knowledge was expressed by the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. In his formal plan for the Institution, Joseph Henry articulated a program that included the following statement:
“It is proposed to publish 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.”

Additional Smithsonian resouces in botany can be found at:

• Department of Botany, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution
• Contributions from the United States National Herbarium (Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb.) also has selected volumes available online