42 REPOET OF THE SECRETARY. 



valuable collection in existence of illustrations of the features, cos- 

 tumes, and habits of the aborigines of this country. 



This gallery is an object of special interest to all visitors to the 

 national metropolis, and to none more so than to the deputations of 

 Indians frequently called to Washington to transact business with 

 the government. A suggestion has been made that there be procured 

 photographic likenesses of individuals of these deputations, witli 

 which to increase the number of portraits. It would be a matter 

 regret were the collections ever to be separated, and it is hoped that 

 Congress will in due time purchase the portraits belonging to Mr. 

 Stanley, which will become more and more valuable in the progress 

 of the gradual extinction of the race of which they are such faithful 

 representations. 



A number of busts of distinguished individuals, that formed a part 

 of the objects of art at the Patent Office, have also been transferred 

 to the Institution, and although these are not very choice illustrations 

 of sculpture, they serve as a beginning of a collection in this line 

 which may hereafter be worthy of the Institution. 



Lectures. — Provision was made for the usual number of popular 

 lectures during the present season, and thus far they have been 

 attended by large audiences. This part of the operations of the Insti- 

 tution, though somewhat restricted in its elBfects to the city of Wash- 

 ington, has been of considerable importance in awakening a lively 

 interest in the welfare and operations of the Institution on the part of 

 a large number of intelligent and influential gentlemen, who have 

 been invited to lecture, from different and distant sections of the 

 United States. It has likewise been the means of presenting, through 

 the annual report, summaries of particular branches of science inter- 

 esting to the general reader and of value to the teacher of schools 

 and academies. 



It will be recollected that the rooms in the second story of the 

 Smithsonian building are arranged for the accommodation of associa- 

 tions and conventions, of which the following have gladly availed 

 themselves during the past year of the facilities thus offered, namely : 

 The National Medical Association, the United States • Agricultural 

 Society, American Pharmaceutists' Association, the National Musical 

 Convention, the Art Association, and the American Colonization 

 Society. The Teachers' Association for the District of Columbia also 

 continues its monthly meetings in one of the apartments. 



The influence the Institution is having on the character and repu- 

 tation of the city of Washington is by no means small. The free 



