45 [ 108 ] 



An almost unique feature in the exchanges of the Institution consists in 

 the number of academical pubjications received from, almost all the univer- 

 sities of Europe. The series from many arc very full, particularly lor later 

 years; and very few are to be found in any other American library. These 

 works are generally of great \alue to the student. 



In conclusion, I would remark that the Institution is greatly imlelsled to 

 the gentlemen acting a.s agents In Europe for the efficiency of its system 

 of foreign exchange. Its thanks aie especially due to Dr. Flugel for his 

 close and untiring attention in jjroiiK^ting Ihe interests, not (>nly of thi? 

 Institution, but of American science and literal 'ue in general. 



O. RKPORT 0|- OPERATIONS IN NATURAL HISTOUV. 



This report I propose to present u.ndcr ilie follovring subdivisions: 



1. collkcxjo^'s. 



2. Explorations. 



3. Reports. 



4. Registry of PjjraomijAL Pjikxomkjjv. 



5. Exchanges. 



In obedience to your suggestion, i have iulded to the details of operations 

 in the line of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution, such facts m 

 regard to those of government, societies, and individuals in North America, 

 as I deem to be of most importance. It must not, however, be considered 

 as a complete exposition of the subject; still, imperfect as the sketch may 

 be, it will, I hope, be acceptable to those who may not have at their com- 

 mand the information in possession of the Smithsonian Institution. In the 

 March number of Silliman's Journal will be found a list of all works and 

 articles relating to the natural history of North America, published during 

 1851, which will relieve the necessity of here going into the same detail. 



1. COLLECTIONS, 



Additions. — The additions to the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution 

 during the year 18ol, have been varied and valuable. They include nume- 

 rous species which are entirely new to science, thus affording copious 

 material for original investigation ; while in those already described are 

 the means of important comparisons. It is not in the more showy depart- 

 ments of Natural History that this growth is marked, but in the less con- 

 spicuous classes, orders and families, which from their comparative obscurity, 

 have experienced unmeiited neglect. It is well understood that the Smith- 

 sonian Institution does not enter upon ground already occupied, but en- 

 deavors to remedy the omissions of others. Hence it i« that the collections 

 of this Institution are not very attractive to the general visitor, hi the ab- 

 sence of cases of mounted birds, mammalia, sheHs, &c., but the student of 

 Natural History will find much that will be sought in vain elsewhere. 



The circulars issued early in last spring, mentioning especial desiderata 

 of the Institution, and giving brief hints for the preservation of specimens, 

 have proved highly effectual in procuring many important contributions. 

 A small pamphlet is now in press, shortly to be published, which will ex- 

 press more in detail the matter of the circular above relerred to. The 



