52 EEPORT OF THE SECRETAEY. 



iug ornaments, weapons, &c.; aud to iutroduce tliera, either singly or in 

 groups, into suitable cases, where they can most readily be seen. 



The approach to completion of the new cases for the mineralogical 

 hall, formerly occupied by the library, makes it necessary to re-arrange 

 all the mineralogical and geological specimens, these including not only 

 such as have been for a long time in the Institution, but the newly-ac- 

 quired treasures from the Land-Oliice, and the Government expeditions 

 of 1872. These transfers will vacate a portion of the present exhibition- 

 room, amounting, perhaps, to nearly one-third its present capacity; and 

 it is proposed to occupy the gaps thus made by specimens of mammals, 

 birds, and skeletons. Of these there are ample series in the building, 

 enough, indeed, to fill several large rooms. Such a selection will be 

 made from these as will make up the most important deficiencies in the 

 mounted series at present on exhibition. 



Mineralogical collection. — Under the authorization of the Secretary of 

 the Interior, the Commissioner of the Land-Oflice transferred to the care 

 of the Institution, as a part of the National IMuseum, the collection of 

 minerals which had been formed by Mr. Joseph Wilson, the previous 

 Commissioner. This collection, intended to illustrate themineral resources 

 of the country, consisted of samples of ores and geological specimens from 

 every State and Territory in the Union. Though a very valuable addi- 

 tion to the Museum, it is formed in some degree of duplicates of specimens 

 already in the Institution. Thisfact, however, will enable us to make up 

 setsof duplicatesfor distribution to colleges and academies. It is proposed 

 to continue the plan inaugurated by ilr. Wilson, of illustrating the 

 mineral products of all parts of the United States in addition to a gen- 

 eral systematic mineralogical cabinet. For the exhibition of the latter 

 the large room formerly occupied by the library will be devoted, while 

 the connecting range, hy a few changes, will serve as the receptacle for 

 the specimens to illustrate the former. 



In concluding the history of the Institution up to the year 1872, it will 

 be evident that the establishment has had, on the whole, a successful 

 career, although it has not been free from mishaps, and the appropriation 

 of the fund was not at first as conformable to the strict interpretation 

 of the will of the founder as could have been wished, yet continued 

 improvement has been made in this respect from year to year. ]N^ot 

 only the s*";ate of the funds, but the character which the Institution has 

 established over the world, will enable it to compare favorably with the 

 management of any endowment with which we are at present acquainted. 



EespectfuUy submitted. 



JOSEPH HENEY, 

 Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 



Washington, February, 187'^ 



