35 [ 23 ] 



Mr. Hough, from the sub-committee to whom were referred the specifi- 

 cations of tlie architect, (James Renwick, jr.,) for the building for said in- 

 stitution, made the following report : 



To the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution : 



Gentlemen: I have carefully examined the specifications of the archi- 

 tect, (James Renwick, jr., esq.,) for the building of said institution, and 

 find them elaborately and minutely drawn, both in reference to detail of 

 the work and permanence and durability of the structure. Few, if any, 

 omissions can be discovered, and but few alterations seem to be required 

 for the permanence and durability of the edifice, or for its better security 

 against destruction by fire. 



It has been suggested by one of the committee, that the width and 

 depth of the foundation trenches, and, as a consequence, the foundation 

 walls, might with safety be diminished, the inverted arches and the con- 

 crete foundations be entirely dispensed with, and consequently with a 

 considerable saving of expense. 



In such a conclusion I cannot, without further information, concur. 



^V hether its foundation trenches may or may not be diminished in 

 depth, will, in my opinion, depend upon the peculiar formation or strata 

 of the earth, which can only be determined by making the necessary 

 borings or excavations. 



if, upon experiment, the strata shall be found to consist of firm indu- 

 rated clay or gravel of sufficient depth for permanence, the depth may be 

 diminished ; otherwise, not. 



But in no event could I recommend a diminution of width ; nor would 

 1 dispense with either the inverted arches or the concrete foundation ; 

 deeming both very essential in preventing an unequal settlement and 

 cracking of the walls of the edifice. I consider the concrete much better 

 adapted to permanence of foundation than any ordinary structure of rock 

 alone, and in no respect more expensive; and, in so ponderous a struc- 

 ture, all architects and constructors of experience concur in recommend- 

 ing inverted arches to preserve a uniformity of settling between the open- 

 ings and solids of the building. I would, however, recommend a reser- 

 vauon in the contract for the construction of the building, of the right to 

 diminish the depth of the foundations, with a pro rata reduction of price 

 in case the strata or character of the earth shall be found to admit of it 

 in the opinion of the architect. It may be found, also, that the thickness 

 of the walls of some of the towers, and perhaps the walls of the buildings 

 throughout, may with safety be diminished; and I would recommend a 

 like reservation in the contract to meet this contingency also. 



The idea of constructing the principal stairs in such an edifice with 

 wood, does not, in my estimation, well comport with public opinion, either 

 as to permanence, durability, and appearance, or with the character of 

 the age in which the edifice is to be erected. 



i recommend, therefore, without hesitation, if the funds will possibly 

 admit of it, that the principal stairs of both the north and south central 

 entrances to the principal building be constructed of stone, as high, at 

 least, as the museum floor. 



I also recommend that the wood tesselated floor of the museum be dis- 

 pensed with, and that, instead thereof, there be a single lloor of li-inch 

 yellow pine plank, with the intention of covering it with stone or compo- 



