[1 ] 



33'- 



assistance in the preparation of the necessary drawings, and by prescntinc^ 

 to the world, in a proper form, the labors of naturalists. In conformity 

 with these views, it has been resolved to confine the collections, principally, 

 to objects of a special character, or to such as may lead to the discovery of 

 new truths, or which may sers'e to verify or disprove existing or proposed 

 scientific generalizations. A number of special collections, important in 

 tliis point of view, are mentioned by Professor Agassiz, in the appendix 

 to my last report, and, for a more enlarged statement relating to the same 

 subject, I would refer attention to the accompanying report by Professor 

 Eaird, to whom the charge of the collections of Natural History has 

 been confided. 



A considerable number of specimens in mineralogy, geology and botany, 

 had been received, previous to Professor Baird's connection with the 

 Institution, and, since he has entered upon his duty, a large addition ha* 

 been made to the stock, by the deposit of his own cabinet, and by dona- 

 tions from various sources. 



The collectipn is principally rich in undescribed species of fishes and 

 reptiles, and especial care will be taken, by Professor Baird, to enhance 

 its value, by procuring, in all cases, as far as practicable, such speci- 

 mens as help to solve questions of scientific interest. The collection 

 has been arranged in one of the rooms of the basement story, so as to be 

 accessible to the student in this branch of science, and has already done 

 service in this way, by furnishing the facts given in one of the memoirs of 

 ihe Smithsonian Contributions. Though letters are constantly received 

 requesting the Institution to purchase collections of plants, minerals and 

 other objects of natural history, yet we have declined, in all cases, to avail 

 ourselves of opportunities of this kind to increase the cabinet. Experi- 

 ence has, thus far, shown that specimens of all kinds will accumulate, from 

 donations and exchange, as rapidly as they can be accomimodated with room, 

 and properly arranged. 



I have given, in my last report, the reasons why it is not thought advi- 

 sable on the part of the Institution, to accept the gift proffered by Con- 

 gress, of the great Museum of the Exploring Expedition, and I have no 

 reason to change my opinion on that point. 



For a detailed account of the specimens forming the Smithsonian collec- 

 tion, I refer to Professor Baird's report, herewith submitted. 



AMERICAN ANTIQUITIES. 



During the past year, we have received information of the locality of 

 a number of mounds, and other remains of ancient art, in different parts of 

 the United States. A gentleman is now engaged in the examination of 

 rlie mounds of Western Virginia, Avith the intention of presenting the 

 results of his labors, for publication in the Smithsonian Contributions to 

 Knowledge. 



The survey of the mineral land in the vicinity of Lake Superior, has 

 disclosed the site of an ancient copper mine, whence, in all probability, the 

 copper of the metal ornaments, instruments, &c., found in the mounds wa« 

 derived. The remains of the implements and of the ore, as left by the 

 ancient miners, are exhibited in place, and afford an interesting illus- 

 tration of the state of arts among the mound builders. The geological 

 svryeyors have promised to make accurate measurements, and drawings of 



