The Genesis of iJic Lbiitcd States National JMuseiini. 163 



Nineteen volumes of Malay manuscripts ; in all probaljility the finest ct)llection in 

 existence. 



Eleven volumes of Bugis manuscripts. (A note says: "The only font of Bugis 

 type in existence belongs to the American board of Missions at Singapore.") The 

 Bugis are very proud of their literature, and are now the most prominent people in 

 the East Indian Archipelago; for the peculiar geographical features of that vast 

 region would seem to preclude the division into nations, which obtains in other parts 

 of the globe. 



A Bali grannnar. (What follows is derived from other sources than the Expedi- 

 tion. ) 



Leaves from a Bali book, presented by Mr. Thomas II. Gillis. 



A Siamese book. 



Several slabs of hieroglyphics from Central America, l)y Mr. Ru])el, United States 

 consul, La Gviayra. 



Coptic books, by Mr. [George R.] Gliddon, late consiU at Cairo, and 



Egyptian antiquities and hieroglyphics, by the same; which are specially worthy 

 of notice, and give a juster idea of the style of the works of that wonderful people 

 than could be acquired from plates. Some of these fragments have long Ijcen wanted 

 in this country, and will be looked at with the more interest as the extraordinary 

 and authentic annals disclosed by them become more, generally known. 



I will not now enter into an account of the implements, arts, and manufactures of 

 the various people we have visited. We flatter ourselves, however, that these will 

 prove not the least important part of the collections. I will refer now only to the 

 interest with which we should look upon some such relics of the tribes who once 

 inhabited our Eastern waters; whose race has disappeared ere its history was written. 

 When posterity shall demand of the present generation, as men of intelligence, .some 

 account of these people, what will be forthcoming? It is generall}- to be feared only 

 that which is written in imperi.shable stone — a few stone hatchets and arrowheads. 



With regard to our Western tribes, better things are to be hoped for, although 

 they have already lost some of their arts and native ingenuity from intercourse with 

 civilized man. The collection of implements, already within the walls, is quite 

 respectable, and the extensive series of their portraits from the War Department may 

 well deserve the term of a National Monument. 



Some national depository has long been wanted where individuals could place, 

 under the care of Government, any object they may happen to possess, in nature or 

 art, that is rare or instructive, calculated to improve and elevate the mind, or fur- 

 ni.sli materials for new deductions. 



The same observations would apply to a national library. Individuals would 

 hardly think of making donations to the Congressional Library; neither would for- 

 eign societies. Yet two of the finest li])raries of our country — indeed, so far as their 

 sphere extends, I would term them of u higher grade than the rest— have been got 

 together exclusively by donations. I would not by any means be understood to 

 undervalue the Congressional Library, and the very judicious selections that have 

 been made for it of late years. But shall we always be content with the love of 

 mere England, herself by no means in the first rank in every branch of knowledge? 

 We look in vain in any part of our country for a full as.semblage of French, German, 

 Italian, Swedish, Danish, Spani.sh, Portuguese, Oriental, or hardly classical literature. 



I have omitted to mention that the property of the Institute is at present very 

 much exposed to depredation. From 6 to 9 a. m., and also after 5 p. m., the Hall is 

 left entirely unguarded, and might be entered with the utmost ease. I would pro- 

 pose that a day watch be set over the Hall and building, as about other public edifices. 



Respectfully submitted. 



Charles Pickering, 

 Curator of tlic National Institute, 



Washington, November 22, 1S./2. 



