24 REPOET OF THE SECRETARY. 



.shed, it is always frequented by visitors. It would undoubtedly be 

 desirable to g-reatly extend and perfect this collection, so that the pul)- 

 lic niio-ht more completely realize the multifarious living- forms that 

 are found in the waters al)out our coasts, as well as in our rivers and 

 lakes. In order to do this properly a suita))le building should be 

 provided and litted with permanent tanks, heating and refrigerating 

 apparatus, and open pools. 



The educational value of an exhibit of this character would unques- 

 tionaldy bo very great. Land animals are more commonly seen, and 

 therefore do not excite the wonder that do those creatures that live in 

 an element by which they are most wholly screened from view. The 

 life of the waters is therefore always extremely interesting and sur- 

 prising. 



A zoological collection, viewed in its widest extent, can not be said 

 to be complete while failing to exhibit so large and important a portion 

 of the zoological domain. The l)iological sciences are becoming more 

 and more studied in our schools,.and it is well known that the simpler 

 forms of invertebrates are extremely impoi'tant as an introduction to 

 the knowledge of higher forms. Classes from the schools of this city 

 and elsewhere often visit the park and find great profit in the aquariimi 

 exhil)it, even in its present incomplete state. It is hoped that Congress 

 may grant funds for establishing in the park an aquarium on a proper 

 scale. 



The park is fulfilling sucessfully the objects for which Congress cre- 

 ated it, "The advancement of science and the instruction and recreation 

 of the people." It never has I)een so successful in these as it is to-day. 



thp: astrophysical observatoky. 



In appropriating in the sundry civil act, approved March 3, 1901, 

 the sum of $12,000 for the maintenance of the Astrophysical Observa- 

 tory, under the control of the Smithsonian Institution, during the 

 fiscal 3^ear ending June 30, 1902, Congress added the following words: 



That the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution is directed to 

 report to Congress on the first day of the next regular session an entire 

 account of all appropriations heretofore expended by the Astrop,hys- 

 ical Observatory, what results have been reached, and what is the 

 pr<\s(Mit condition of the work of said Observator}', 



In response to this requirement the Secretary submitted a report 

 embracing (I) an entire account of all a])propriations heretofore 

 expended by the Astrophysical 0))servatory, (2) a statement of the 

 results which have been reached, and (3) the present condition of the 

 work of said Observ^atory, and including as a part of it the first vol- 

 ume of its Annals. This report was accompanied by letters from Sir 

 Robert Ball, Sir William lluggins. Lord Kelvin, Sir Norman Lockyer, 



