O. MISCELLANEOUS. 661 



fifty-six, of course varying in value, and while perhaps em- 

 bodying nothing of very striking importance, contributing 

 in a greater or less degree toward the sum of our knowledge. 

 It is hardly to be expected that great discoveries in science 

 should be reserved for presentation at such meetings, the de- 

 sire for priority inducing their announcement, sometimes even 

 by telegraph, as soon as made. 



Reporters were present in full force, including not only 

 those of the Portland press, but of the leading New York pa- 

 pers, especially of the Tribime, World, and Times. The l^rib- 

 une reports, made under the immediate direction of one of 

 its editors, Mr. W. C. Wyckoff, were extremely full and satis- 

 factory, and will very largely anticipate the official publica- 

 tion by the permanent secretary. It is understood that the 

 daily reports and abstracts of this paper will be reproduced' 

 in a corrected and otherwise improved form, and embodied 

 in one of the famous lecture or scientific extras that have 

 given the Tribune so much reputation. 



THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION. 



On the Fourth of July, 1873, the grounds set apart by the 

 city of Philadelphia for the purposes of the International Ex- 

 position of 1876 were formally transferred by the Park Com- 

 mission to the Centennial Commission of the United States. 

 The transfer took place on the grounds in the park in the 

 presence of an immense gathering of citizens, and was con- 

 ducted with due regard for the grandeur and importance of 

 the great event of which it forms the first public inauguration. 



One of the features of the occasion Avas the reading of a 

 proclamation by his Excellency the President of the United 

 States, fixing upon the 19th of April, 1876, as the time for the 

 opening of the Exhibition, and the 19th of October of the 

 same year for its close, and inviting the co-operation of the 

 United States, as well as that of foreign nations. Though it 

 may seem somewhat premature, the following form of appli- 

 cation for space in the coming Exhibition has been adopted 

 by the Centennial Commission, to be sent to manufacturers 

 throughout the Avorld. It will, no doubt, have the advantage 

 of advising the managers of the great event to make appro- 

 priate provision for abundant space. It is said that this 

 policy has met with much success, and that even at this stage 



