SEPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 71 



KEPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 



The building of the Smithsonian Institution having been completed, 

 the special object of the Building Committee for which it was originally- 

 appointed, might be considered accomplished, and therefore an annual 

 report no longer necessary ; but as a large portion of the edifice re- 

 mained unfinished, and since repairs are required which will probably 

 be very expensive, it is thought proper that the committee should be 

 continued. 



At the last session of Congress an appropriation of fifteen thousand 

 dollars was made for cases for the accommodation of the collections 

 belonging to government. These are now finished and form a beauti- 

 ful addition to the large hall, and are apparently well adapted to the 

 purpose for which they are intended. With strict economy the appro- 

 priation of Congress has been found sufficient to provide accommoda- 

 tions for the present reception of the articles, though in the course of 

 time additional cases will be required. 



The west wing of the building, devoted to the library, has been 

 furnished with alcoves and a gallery extending around three sides of 

 the large room. This arrangement, which will serve very much to 

 increase the accommodation and security of the books, produces a 

 very pleasing architectural efiect. 



The large cisterns in the grounds near the building, which were 

 directed to be arched over at the last session of the Board, have been 

 properly secured, and one of them converted into an ice-house. 



The balance of a bill for gas fixtures, which had been contracted by 

 the architect, and which remained unsettled, on account of a disagree- 

 ment as to certain charges, has been finally paid, after a reduction of 

 1352 99. 



The peculiar style of architecture of the building, and the large 

 amount of surface it exposes to the weather, renders constant repairs 

 necessary. During the past year almost the whole time of two work- 

 men has been occupied in this service. 



Eespectfully submitted. 



RICHAED RUSH, 

 WM. H. ENOLISH, 

 JOSEPH HENRY, 



Building Committee. 



