JOURNAL OF PEOCEEDINGS. XIII 



J could make an arrangement with the Smithsonian Institution by which 

 I might not sacrifice my own needs while living and my duty to my wife 

 or to my children (if 1 should have any), after my death, I might ac- 

 complish the cud which I desire. I throw out the following as a sketch 

 of what I think might be feasible : As the Institution receives, and I sup- 

 pose will always receive, 6 per cent, for its investments with the Govern- 

 ment, I might transfer to it a sura of money for which I should receive 

 au income of say 5 per cent, during my life and the life of my wife, or 

 until my children (if I had any) arrived at an age such that they might 

 provide for themselves. The other 1 per cent, would accrue to the 

 Institution in the mean time, and the whole eventually, as compensa- 

 tion for the making of this arrangement. Whether that should be 

 devoted to a specftic object or to the general purposes of the Institution 

 might be a matter for further consideration. 

 Kespectfully, 



B. PicKMAN Mann. 



The Chancellor and several of the Kegeuts having expressed their 

 opinion that such a propo sition could not be accepted by the Institu- 

 tion, on motion of Mr. Wilson the communication was referred to the 

 Executive Committee. 



The Secretary presented a statement relative to the bequest of the 

 late Eev. Alex. G. Mercer, of Newport, E. I. 



This gentleman died on the 3d November, 1882, and left property to 

 the amount of about a million dollars. After the decease of certain 

 beneficiaries the property is to be divided into three parts, of which 

 one part is to be administered by a board consisting of the President 

 of Harvard University, the President of Yale College, and the Secre- 

 tary of the Smithsonian Institution, together with three other individ- 

 uals mentioned in the will, or their survivors, "to establish scholarships 

 or foundations in such colleges as they may select, for the benefit of 

 such poor students as have passed through some of the public schools 

 with the best reputation for character and ability." 



The Chancellor presented a letter from the family of the late Pro- 

 fessor Henry relative to the ijublication of his scientific writings. 



On motion of Dr. Porter, the communication was referred to Dr. Gray 

 and the Executive Committee. 



Dr. Gray called attention to the fact that provision had not yet been 

 made for the estimates and apjiropriations for the ensuing year. 



On motion of Dr. Welling, it was — 



Resolved, That the income of the Institution for the six months end- 

 ing 30th June, 1886, and for the twelve months ending 30th June, 1887, 

 be expended by the Secretary, with full discretion as to the items, sub- 

 ject to the approval of the Executive Committee. 



On motion, the Board adjourned sine die. 



