116 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 



If I can in any way serve the laudable purposes of your excellent 

 Institution, I hope you will freely command my services. 

 Most regardfullv, clear Professor Henry, yours, 



FEED. MUELLER. 



The Secretary gave an account of what has been done in relation to 

 the distribution of duplicate specimens of natural history, and read 

 several letters acknowledging the receipt of the donations, and ex- 

 pressing appreciation of the policy adopted by the Institution. Among 



these was the following: 



University of Toronto, 



December 3, 1860. 



Dear Sir: In acknowledging the receipt of about 200 species of 

 shells sent to the University Museum, through the liberality of the 

 Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, I beg to express my very high 

 appreciation of the disposition manifested by the Institution to make 

 its superfluous stores available in the communication of knowledge in 

 various places, and even beyond the limits of the United States. The 

 contribution now made is a very valuable addition to the museum of 

 the University of Toronto, even those species of which we have already 

 specimens being interesting from their authentic names and known 

 habitats.... We are deeply obliged by the kindness manifested; and 

 if we find any way of reciprocating it, I shall personally feel the 

 greatest pleasure in promoting your views. 



Believe me to be, dear sir, very faithfully yours, 



WILLIAM HINCKS. 

 The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 



Copies of the several papers and miscellaneous articles published by 

 the Institution since the last annual session were laid before the Board. 



The fact was stated that the Potomac water had been brought by 

 Government through the grounds of the Smithsonian Institution, to 

 the middle of the south front of the building ; that the Institution, was 

 now supplied with rain water from the cisterns in the towers, but as 

 the supply from this source was uncertain, it was desirable that the 

 Potomac water should be introduced ; whereupon it was 



Resolved, That the Secretary procure plans and estimates for the 

 introduction of the Potomac water into the building, and that the 

 Secretary and the Executive Committee be authorized to make con- 

 tracts for tins purpose. 



The Secretary presented his annual report of the operations of the 



Institution ; which was read in part. 



The Board then adjourned, to meet on Tuesday, February 19, at 



8 o'clock p. m. 



Tuesday, February 19, 1861. 



The Board met at 8 o'clock p. m., in the Regent's room of the 



Smithsonian Institution. 



