REPORT OF PROFESSOR BAIRD, 



SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, FOR 1884, 



To the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution : 



Gentlemen: I have the honor to present herewith the report of the 

 operations and condition of the Smithsonian Institution for the year 

 1884. This, in accordance with the usual custom, will include an ac« 

 count of the work performed b^' the Smithsonian Institution itself, as 

 well as that of the branches of the public service placed by Congress 

 under its charge, namely, the National Museum and the Bureau of Eth- 

 nology. To this will be added a sketch of the work of the United 

 States Fish Commission, which is also under my charge ; and of that 

 of the Ui S. Geological Survey, kindly furnished by its Director. 



THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

 INTRODUCTORY. 



Outside of the regular routine work of the Institution, an account of 

 which will be furnished in its proper place, are the details connected 

 with the participation, in 1884, by the Smithsonian Institution in the 

 exhibitions at Cincinnati, Louisville, and the International Cotton Ex- 

 l)osition at New Orleans, with which your Board was charged by order 

 of Congress. A full account of the history of these undertakings will 

 be given hereafter. 



An increasing number of national organizations for the promotion of 

 science has received accommodation in the lecture-room of the National 

 Museum during the year, in accordance with the authority of the Board. 



The repairs to the eastern portion of the Smithsonian building have 

 been completed, with the exception of a few minor details, and the offices 

 re-established. 



The general progress of the Institution during the year, and that of 

 t!ie public service under its control, has been satisfactory. The Smith- 

 sonian funds are in good condition, the new year being entered upon 

 free from any indebtedness and with a satisfactory balance on hand. 



The publications of the Institution have been continued, and numer- 

 ous additions have been made to the library. The work of the Inter- 

 national Exchange service continues to increase, and wiJl, it is hoped, 



1 



