34 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



to induce as many individuals as possible, in various parts of the 

 country, to devote their leisure hours to special objects of natural 

 history — to point out to them the pleasures derived from studies of 

 this kind systematically pursued, and the important results which 

 will flow from their labors when combined with those of other per- 

 sons in the same line, and also to facilitate by catalogues, descriptions, 

 and correspondence, the progress of the student in the elementary 

 part of his studies. In connexion with this object, circulars have 

 been distributed directing special attention to different points, 

 among which Ave may mention one on American grasshoppers, an 

 insect to the ravages of which a large portion of the United States 

 is frequently subjected, and relative to which every well authenticated 

 met is of considerable interest. Another circular has been issued in 

 regard to the collection of nests and eggs of birds, to furnish the 

 material for a continuation of Dr. Brewer's work on Oology. 



The fact was stated in a previous report that materials had been 

 collected for a new edition of a report on the libraries of this country, 

 originally prepared by Professor C. C. Jewett. This work was en- 

 trusted to Mr. William J. Rhees, chief clerk of this Institution, to 

 be done out of the usual hours of his official duties; but the materials 

 which were collected contained so much information relative to edu- 

 cational and other institutions, which was thought too important to be 

 omitted, that the report when completed was found to exceed the 

 limits assigned by the Institution; and rather than abridge it by 

 leaving out a part of the material which had cost so much labor, 

 Mr. Rhees offered to publish it on his own account; and such an 

 arrangement being compatible with the general policy of the Institu- 

 tion, the proposition was agreed to, and the work has accordingly 

 been issued under his own name and responsibility. It forms a 

 volume of 700 octavo pages, and contains a large amount of very in- 

 teresting and valuable matter which has cost the author a much 

 greater amount of labor than can ever be repaid by even an extensive 

 sale of the work. 



In this connexion we may mention that a list of the libraries, soci- 

 eties, and institutions in North America, has also been prepared by 

 Mr. Rhees and printed for the use of the Institution. It forms an 

 octavo pamphlet of 81 pages, and is found of much value in facili- 

 tating the distribution of our several classes of publications and in 

 directing circulars, &c. 



