70 



CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION. 



It is thought, however, that these additional collections may be con- 

 densed into a space of, perhaps, 50,000 feet, although the aggregate space 

 already mentioned would be much better suited to the exigencies of the 

 case, and it is therefore to be hoped tbat Congress will, at an early day, 

 take action in reference to a new building, which, of course, will be most 

 conveniently placed in connection with the Smithsonian edifice. 



This should be constructed as cheaply as possible, consistent with the 

 demand for space and protection against the elements and fire. It is 

 thought that by laying a concrete floor on the ground, using brick walls 

 and piers and a roof with iron beams, and wooden sheathing covered 

 with tin, these requirements will be most readily met. Several plans 

 have been proposed for this building, some one of which it is hoped will 

 find favor and be adopted. 



In a series of accompanying papers, I beg to present a general ac- 

 count of the Government exhibit, a statement of the contributions from 

 foreign governments, and a separate list of the more important contri- 

 butions of mineral objects from American sources. 



The alphabetical list of contributions to the National Museum for the 

 year 1870, will also show the many smaller donations that have been 

 made to its several departments. 



I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 



SPENCER F. BAIRD, 

 Representative of the Smithsonian Institution and of the 

 Department of Food-Fishes in the Government Centennial Board. 



Professor Joseph Henry, 



Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 



GENERAL ACCOUNT OF THE GOVERNMENT CENTENNIAL 

 EXHIBIT; BY PROFESSOR BAIRD. 



-tpjirojirialiow by Congress in acts of March 3, 1875, and July 19, 1876. 



March 3, 

 1875. 



July 19, 

 1876. 



Total. 



"War Department 



3s'a\ y Department 



Interior Department 



Treasury I tepartment 



Post-Office Department 



Agricultural Department 



Smithsonian Institution 



United States Commission of Food-Fishes 

 For show-cases, shelving, stationery, &c . 



$133, 



100, 



115, 



5, 



5, 



50, 



67, 



5, 



25, 



505, 000 



$18, 500 



15, 000 

 14, 000 



21, 000 

 5,000 



$151, 500 

 100, 000 

 130, 000 

 19, 000 

 5,000 

 50,000 

 88, 000 

 10, 000 

 25,000 



578, 500 



