22 EEPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



vestigations made for the goverument. Perhaps the most important of 

 these was the inquiry into the so-called Tichenor i^rocess of reducing 

 ores of gold by the use of one of the chlorides of gold. This investiga- 

 tion was made at the special request of the Commissioner of Patents, 

 and conducted at the exiDense of the Patent Office, and an elaborate re- 

 l^ort transmitted to that officer. Very much public interest centered 

 around the analysis, as the disposition of a large amount of money in 

 the way of investment depended upon the decision. 



In addition to the chemical work actually performed in behalf of the 

 government, the Institution is not unfrequently asked (especially by the 

 Treasury Department) to nominate chemical exi^erts for special inquiries, 

 a request always promptly complied with. 



In view of the large amount and variety of analytical investigations 

 continually required by the government for the faithful and intelli- 

 gent administration of several of its bureaus or departments, it is much 

 to be desired that a first-class laboratory, under efficient direction, 

 be established in official connection with some branch of the gov- 

 ernment, where all chemical work of a i)ublic character or value can 

 be thoroughly executed. Questions of grave importance, and subjects 

 requiring elaborate and conscientious research, are constantly being 

 presented in the revenue and other branches of the public service, which 

 demand i)recise and authoritative determination for the satisfactory 

 guidance of official agents, and which should be placed under the imme- 

 diate sui)ervision of those (of whatever government bureau) charged 

 with the responsibility and interested in the accurate execution of the 

 work. 



EXPLORATIONS. 



In the summer of 1879, Mr. F. H. Gushing, the assistant in charge of 

 the ethnological dei^artment of the museum, was granted leave of 

 absence by the Institution for the purpose of accompanying a commis- 

 sion detailed to carrj' on ethnological research and exploration among 

 the Pueblo people of New Mexico. This expedition, in charge of Mr. 

 James Stev^ensou, was very successful in its mission; collecting large 

 numbers of specimens, an account of which was duly given in the Eeport 

 of 1879. Mr. Gushing found the field of inquiry among the Indians so 

 rich and extensive that he obtained permission to remain a longer time, 

 and is still there. He has established himself with the Zuiii Pueblo, 

 under the special protection of the chiefs, and has gained the confidence 

 of the people to such a degree as to be permitted to attend aU their 

 ceremonial observances, and make notes and even drawings. An inves- 

 tigation into the traditions and history of the people, their manners and 

 customs, their songs and dances, and their relationship to other tribes, 

 has kept Mr. Gushing constantly occupied. A rich harvest of inter- 

 esting discovery will undoubtedly result from his residence among these 

 people. 



