REPORT OF PROFESSOR BAIRD, 



SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, FOR 1879. 



To the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution ; 



Gentlemen : I have the honor to present herewith the report of the 

 operations and condition of the Smithsonian Institution for the year 

 1879 : 



THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



The year just passed h is been marked by a number of interesting and 

 important incidents in the history of the Institution, which will be de- 

 tailed in their proper places; the most noteworthy being the memorial 

 services, held in the United States Capitol, in honor of Professor Henry, 

 and the commencement of work upon the new lire-proof building for the 

 National Museum. 



The usual routine of business has been prosecuted by the Institution 

 during the year, the various departments receiving their share of atten- 

 tion and expenditure. 



HENRY MEMORIAE SERVICES AND VOLUME. 



In conformity with the action of the Board of Regents in reference to 

 the holding of a public commemoration of Prof. Joseph Henry, a joint 

 resolution of Congress was passed appointing January 1G, 1871), as the 

 time, and the Hall of the House of Representatives as the place, of such 

 memorial services. These proceedings took place at the time announced, 

 in the presence of a very large and distinguished auditory. Dr. Asa 

 Gray was appointed by the Board of Eegents to "prepare a sketch of 

 the life, character, and public services of Professor Henry," which it was 

 ordered should form part of the exercises at the Capitol. 



The Vice-President of the United States, supported by the Speaker 

 of the House, presided on the occasion. After prayer by the Eev. Dr. 

 James McCosh, president of Princeton College, addresses Avere deliv- 

 ered by Hon. Hannibal Hamlin, Senator and Regent (the address being 

 read by Vice-President W. A. Wheeler) ; Hon. R. E. Withers, Senator 

 and Regent; Prof. Asa Gray, of Harvard University, Regent; after 

 which Hon. Hiester Clymer, Member of the House and Regent, read 

 the telegrams received on the occasion. The remaining addresses were 

 delivered by Prof. William B. Rogers, of Boston ; Hon. James A. Gar- 

 field, Member and Regent ; Hon. S. S. Cox, Member, and formerly a 



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