38 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



or two volumes or a small packet of specimens into Germany is often 

 prevented by the difficulties and expense attending it." 



At stated periods the following circular is distributed to institu- 

 tions and individuals in America : 



"The Smithsonian Institution is now making preparations to send 

 copies of its publications to the different libraries and societies in 

 Europe and other parts of the world with which it is in correspond- 

 ence. As in previous years, it will undertake the transmission and 

 safe delivery of the publications of other American institutions on 

 the following conditions : 



"1st. The volumes or publications to be put up in compact packages, 

 enveloped separately for each particular address. They must not be 

 sealed, although they can be pasted up or tied. Unsealed letters 

 relating to the contents of the package may be placed inside or sent 

 separately. In no case ivill sealed letters or packages be forivarded by 

 the Institution. 



"2d. The packages must be addressed legibly, in full, (if German, 

 they must be in Roman character,) and the name of the donor must 

 be indorsed on each. 



" 8d. Tlte parcels must be delivered in Washington free of expense to 

 the Smithsonian Institution. 



"4th. A detailed and full invoice of all the addresses on the par- 

 cels must be sent separately, in advance, by mail. 



"5th. The parcels should conform as nearly as possible in length 

 and breadth to the corresponding dimensions of the Smithsonian 

 Contributions to Knowledge, if in quarto, or to half this size, if octavo. 

 Octavo pamphlets should not be folded. No single package should 

 exceed six inches in thickness. 



"6th. No charge will be made for the expenses of sending from 

 Washington, if the parcels be of moderate bulk. In any case the 

 proportion of actual expenses will only bo called for. 



"If desired, the Smithsonian Institution will make the selection 

 of the most suitable recipients of any publications. In this case 

 nothing but the name of the donor need be marked on the parcels. 



"The next transmission of packages from the Smithsonian Institu- 

 tion will take place about the 1st June. 



"Parcels should be in hand a month earlier, and the lists sent by 

 mail at the earliest possible moment. These will be wanted con- 

 siderably in advance of the parcels, in order to make out the com- 

 plete invoices for each different address before commencing to pack 

 the boxes. 



