42 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



viously knew of the natural history,* geology, and anthropology of the 

 regions north of the United States ; while, of course, full provision has 

 been made for the necessary physical research required by the Signal 

 Office. 



The Treasury Department. — A somewhat similar arrangement to that of 

 the Signal Office has been made with the Life-Saving Service, under 

 the direction of Superintendent Kimball, who instructed the keepers of 

 stations to carry out the provisions of a circular issued by the Institu- 

 tion, requesting telegraphic announcement in regard to the stranding 

 of cetaceans, strange fishes, and any other unusual inhabitants of the 

 sea. 



In another part of this report will be found a full statement of the 

 very important results already accomplished. 



The Light-House Board of the Treasury Department has also con- 

 tinued its co-operation by requiring observations of ocean temperatures 

 at various light-ships and light-houses along the coast. The data ac- 

 cumulated in this way have been of the utmost importance in connection 

 with the general problems of ocean physics, and have been used to very 

 great advantage in solving many questions concerning the migrations 

 of fishes along the coast. 



The Interior Department. — Another extremely important addition to 

 the exhibits of the National Museum results from the transfer of the 

 entire collection of Washington relics from the Interior Department, 

 where they had been until now in the custody of the Commissioner of 

 Patents. In this was included not only the old collection that had 

 been on view for so many years, but also a large number of objects 

 purchased some years ago by Congressional appropriation from Col- 

 onel Lewis, and never unpacked after their arrival in the city. These 

 articles have all been placed temporarily in large cases in the north 

 hall, and will as soon as possible be transferred to more suitable de- 

 positories, where they can be more readily observed and appreciated. 

 The utmost care is taken of this collection, which is justly prized as 

 one of the most valuable properties of the National Museum. 



Some other articles of historical interest were also received on the 

 same occasion. 



Relations to Foreign Governments. — Under the head of " Explorations 

 in Labrador" will be found a reference to the researches of Mr. Lucien 

 M. Turner. It became necessary in the earlier part of the year to 

 renew the supplies of alcohol, ammunition, &c, to Mr. Turner ; and as 

 the vessel by which communication is effected starts for Montreal and 

 Quebec, and not from any American port, the question of duties — on 

 the alcohol especially — became one of some importance. 



By the assistance of the Department of State, the intervention of 

 Mr. Bobbins, United States commercial agent at Ottawa, with the 

 Canadian minister of finance was secured; and it was finally arranged 

 that on the request of the Secretary of the Treasury to that effect small 



