10 



THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 



TUE UBRART. 



In the large hall at the south entrance to the building are a number of 

 articles of special interest. The most prominent of these is the ancient 

 SARCOPHAGUS, which was brought to this country on the frigate Con- 

 stitution, by Commodore Elliott, from Beirut, in Syria, in 1839. This Sar- 

 cophagus was believed to be the repository of the remains of a Roman 

 Emperor, and was intended for those of President Andrew Jackson. The 

 General, however, refused to accept the gift, saying " I cannot consent that 

 my mortal body shall be laid in a repository prepared for an Emperor or a 

 King — my republican feelings and principles forbid it — the simplicity of our 

 system of Government forbids it." 



A plank from the redwood tree, and a piece of harh from the famous giant 

 tree of California, will attract attention, as well as an immense mass of cojiper 

 from Lake Superior. 



Among the most interesting objects in this part of the collection are several idols 

 from Central America, presented by Hon. E. G Squicr, late United States Minis- 



