26 REPORT OP THE SECRETARY. 



ning of 11 boundary line between that country and Mexico, and to rep- 

 resent it officially on that occasion. Prof. Miles Rock, of the Washing- 

 ton Observatory, was selected for the position in question, and kindly 

 offered his services to the Institution in any practicable way that might 

 be designated. 



As it is believed that the region to be traversed by the commission 

 contains many interesting archaeological remains, Professor Rock was 

 requested to secure photographs or drawings of as many of these as 

 possible, as well as to obtain any portable specimens. To this he 

 kindly assented, and on his departure, in midsummer, he carried with 

 him a photographic outfit, furnished by the Institution. Much is ex- 

 pected from Professor Rock's labors, as he is an accomplished specialist, 

 as well as being versed in photographic manipulation. 



South America. — Not much material of importance has come to hand 

 from South America, with the exception of a large collection of rare 

 and remarkable Peruvian pottery, presented by Mr. W. W. Evans. 

 Lieutenant Very, of the Navy, also furnished some specimens from 

 Patagonia. 



Japan, China, and Corea. — In previous reports reference has been 

 made to the important work prosecuted by Mr. P. L. Jouy in China, a 

 region first visited by him in connection with the service of'the United 

 States steamer Palos. After the completion of his engagement on the 

 Polos, Mr. Jouy remained in Japan, where, with the kind aid of Messrs. 

 Owstou, Snow & Co., he was enabled to prosecute his explorationsTn 

 certain litth -known portions of the empire. The collections sent by 

 him relate to all branches of zoology as well as to archaeology, and have 

 proved to be of extreme interest. Through his exertions the National 

 Museum now possesses very good collections of the birds of Japan, the 

 fishes, in large part, having previously been received through the mu- 

 seum at Tokio. 



On the opening of intercourse with Corea, Mr. Jouy accompanied 

 Minister Foster, and was enabled to obtain facilities for further re- 

 search, the results of which have not been received. Ensign Bernadou, 

 one of the naval officers detailed by the Department for service in the 

 National Museum, volunteered for service in Corea, and was ordered 

 thither by the Department, to prosecute his explorations under the 

 auspices of the Smithsonian Institution. Well trained in chemistry, 

 mineralogy, and geology, Mr. Bernadou expects to make some impor- 

 tant researches in those branches, as well as in anthropology and gen- 

 eral natural history. 



Other Countries. — The collections from the other parts of the globe 

 have not been of much importance, in view of the fact that the Institu- 

 tion occupies itself but little in explorations in the Old World, believing 

 that this is best done by agencies in Europe. Collections in materia 



