36 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



costly and interesting a specimen of art, It is by Joseph Gott, an 

 English sculptor of high reputation, and its faithfulness, as a repre- 

 sentation of the original, is vouched for by a certificate, among others, 

 from our lamented countryman, Thomas Crawford. 



The Stanley collection of Indian portraits, which is still in the 

 Gallery, has, during the past year, been increased by a number of 

 new pictures, and continues to be an object of interest to the visitors 

 of the national capital. This collection, now the most extensive in 

 existence, of Indian portraits, ought, as we have stated in previous 

 reports, to be purchased by government. It is a sacred duty which this 

 country owes to the civilized world to collect everything relative to 

 the history, the manners and customs, the physical peculiarities, and, 

 in short, all that may tend to illustrate the character and history of 

 the original inhabitants of North America. The duty which Mr. 

 Stanley owes to his family will not permit him to retain the collection 

 unbroken, and unless Congress make an appropriation for its pur- 

 chase, he will be obliged to dispose of it in portions. Such an event 

 would be a lasting source of regret; and, from the interest which a 

 number of distinguished members of the Senate and House of Eepre- 

 sentatives have expressed in regard to the purchase, we doubt not 

 that the proposition will in due time be favorably entertained. 



Lectures. — During the past season the usual number of lectures 

 has been given, without any diminution in the size of the audience 

 and the apparent interest of the public. 



In connexion with this subject, we may mention, complaints have 

 frequently been made against the Institution, on account of the bad 

 cocdition of the walks leading to the building ; but it should be recol- 

 lected that the grounds belong to the government and are not under 

 the control of the Eegents. A plank walk has, however, been laid 

 df'wn along the principal thoroughfare and lighted, on nights of lec- 

 tures, at the expense of the Institution. 



The Smithsonian lecture-room is found to be the most commodious 

 apartment in the District for public meetings, and almost constant 

 applications are made for its use. This is granted in all cases, pro- 

 vided the actual expense of lighting, heating and attendance be paid, 

 and the object for which it is required be consistent with the character 

 of the Institution, and not merely intended to advance individual 

 interests. The rule which excludes from the lectures any subject 

 connected with sectarianism, discussions in Congress and the political 

 questions of the day, has been strictly observed. 



