THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 'J49 



Library. 



During the last year the hbrary has received important additions 

 from the books presented in exchange for the volumes of the Smithso- 

 nian Contributions and other publications. The whole value of the 

 works thus received during the year, according to the estimate of Pro- 

 fessor Baird, is not less than from four to five thousand dollars. From 

 this source alone a highly interesting and valuable collection of books, 

 pertaining to all branches of positive knowledge, will, in time, be ob- 

 tained. The reputation which the publications of the Institution liave 

 given it abroad, has induced individuals to present a number of 

 valuable works to the library. For an account of the whole, I must refer 

 to the report of Professor Je wett, herewith submitted. The library has also 

 been increased by the purchase of such books as were required in the 

 operations of the Institution, and with a series of scientific and other 

 periodicals. 



The copyright law is still in existence, and the library has received, 

 during the past year, the usual number of articles from this source. The 

 remark, however, may again be made with truth, that the action of this 

 law, as it now exists, imposes a burden on the Institution from which it 

 should be reheved. 



The whole number of articles, according to the report ol" Professor 

 Jewett, now in the library, is twenty-one thousand seven hundred. 



Museum of Natural History. 



The additions to the collection in natural history, under the perse- 

 vering efforts of Professor Baird, have increased in a compound ratio 

 over those of previous years. Large additions will also be made by 

 the exploring expeditions which are about to leave for the different 

 parts of this continent and distant seas ; but the expense of preparing 

 and transporting these, it is hoped, will be defrayed by the general 

 government. For a detailed account of the number and variety of the 

 specimens collected, I must refer to Professor Baird's report accom- 

 panying this communication. 



Gallery of Art. 



Besides a library, a museum, and lectures, the act of Congress es- 

 tabhshing the Smithsonian Institution directed the formation of a gallery 

 of art. The only articles belonging to the Institution which have been 

 yet collected in accordance with the last-mentioned regulation of Con- 

 gress, are the valuable series of engi^avings by the old masters, de- 

 cribed in a previous Report. One of the original propositions of" the 

 progi-ammc is that ol encouraging art, by providing a suitable room for 

 the exhibition of pictures free of expense to the artist. In accordance 

 with this, the large room in the west wing will be devoted to this pur- 

 pose. It now contains a very interesting series of portraits, mostly 

 full-size, of one hundred and fifty-two North American Indians, with 

 sketches of the scenery of the country they inhabit, deposited by the 

 artist who painted them, Mr. J. M. Stanley These portraits were all 



