117 [23] 



copies of the work out of the first 500, and 25 copies more out of the 

 second five hundred received by us. 



By these aVrangements the entire sum of one thousand dollars, appro- 

 priated for the pubUcation of this work, can be expended on illustrations, 

 giving much increased value to it. 



With a view still to increasi; that value, I took some steps which I hope 

 will secure us additional illustrations executed in the best style. 



Finding that the marble front of Stewart's new dry-goods store in Broad- 

 way was probably the finest specimen of the modern Italian style of ar- 

 chitecture in the United States, I procured an introduction to Mr. Stew- 

 art's partner, (Mr. S. being now in Europe,) and proposed to him that 

 if he would expend $100 to furnish us an elevation of his store, on steel, 

 we would afterwards, if he desired it, furnish him as many copies as he 

 might require at the cost of paper and printing. He said he would write 

 immediately to Mr. Stewart ; that he did not doubt that he would agree to 

 it. He is to communicate the result to Mr. Renwick, who will superin- 

 tend the preparation of the plate. 



I was also introduced by Mr. Renwick to the principal vestrymen of 

 Grace church ; and he expressed to me his hope that he could obtain 

 from the vestrv a vote for a similar plate of that church, a fine specimen 

 of the latter or Flamboyant gothic. 



I also commissioned Mr. Renwick, who is acquainted with some of the 

 vestry at Trinity church, to see them, and try to obtain a plate of that 

 edifice. 



These plates, if obtained, would furnish excellent illustrations of the 

 most suitable character, and give much additional character to the publi- 

 cation. 



I called upon A. B. Durand, president of the Academy of Design, now 

 a portrait and historical painter, and formerly the best engineer in the 

 United States, and ascertained his opinion, that the best engravers for 

 portraits in the United States are Cassilear, 22 Bleeker street, New York, 

 and Cheeney, of Philadelphia. 



He considers Roberts, of New York, the best wood-cutter. He thinks 

 that to Cassdear or Cheeney the portrait of Smithson, for our Transac- 

 tions, should be intrusted. 



I called on Robert Schuyler, president of the Brunswick and New 

 York railroad, in regard to a season ticket, or free ticket, for our architect, 

 Mr. Renwick. There is no chance of obtaining a free ticket. A season 

 ticket at a reduced rate may possibly be obtained. Mr. Schuyler promised 

 to write to me on the subject. 



I did not until further consultation decide whether the perspective 

 drawings of our institution, etc., should be in quarto or double quarto 

 form. The folding of the latter seems to me so objectionable, that I in- 

 cline to the former, though it be somewhat small for so extensive a 

 building. 



Respectfully submitted, by 



ROBERT DALE OWEN. 



On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was 



Resolved, That the prospective views of the institution, alluded to in 

 the above report, be executed ni quarto form. 



The chairman submitted from the superintendent the following com- 

 munication : 



