HISTORY OF THE SMITHSONIAN EXCHANGES. 751 



be designated, all the official publications of importance that may be 

 brought out in Spain. 



The undersigned avails of this opportunity to renew to the honorable 

 Mr. Seward the assurance of his most distinguished consideration. 



Facundo Goni. 



[The U. S. Legation at Switzerland to the Smithsonian Institution.] 



Beme, September 21, 1867. 

 Prof. Joseph Heney, 



Secretary of the Smithsonimi Institution^ Washington : 



Sir: Under instructions from Mr. Seward, transmitting to me your 

 circular relative to an international exchange of national publications, 

 I have communicated with "the proper authority" — that is, the chief of 

 the department of the interior — designated by the high federal council 

 as its agent" to arrange the mode of proceeding in the execution of the 

 plan." 



As the result of our conferences I am authorized to say to you that 

 the high federal council accepts with great pleasure the proposition 

 £or the exchange of national publications. 



It is desired to know whether you prefer to receive these publications 

 as made and at the time of issue, or whether, at the end of each year, 

 all the publications made during the year shall be delivered together in 

 one or more packages. 



It is preferred by the federal council that the publications shall be 

 received and delivered at Beme by an agent of the Smithsonian Institu- 

 tion. I suggest thg-t this legation be d^ignated as such agent to re- 

 ceive and deliver such exchanges, which arrangement would be more 

 acceptable to the Swiss Government than the agency of any private 

 party. 



The number and bulk of the federal publications will be smaU in com- 

 parison with ours, and the question was propounded whether the prop- 

 ositions also embraced necessarily the publications of each canton, a« 

 that would be somewhat difficult. I presume that, while such publi- 

 cations would be acceptable to you, it was not contemplated to include 

 those of the cantonal governments. 



For every reason I advise you to receive the publications of each year 

 6fv masse, in lieu of receiving them in detachments. 



The Swiss publications will be delivered packed ready for transpor- 

 tation. 



I can only add that I stand ready to act in the premises as you may 

 desire. 



Very respectfully, your obedient servant;, 

 Geo. Haeeington. 



