RKPOKT OD' THE SECRETARY. 21 



Natural history explorations have been made at the expense of the 

 government, but principally at the instance and under the scientific 

 direction of this Institution, which have done more to develop a 

 knowledge of the peculiar character of the western portions of this 

 continent than all previous researches on the subject. A system 

 of exchange is now in successful operation, connecting in friendly 

 relations the cultivators of literature and science in this country, with 

 their brethren in every part of the Old World. A large amount of 

 valuable material has been collected with regard to the meteorology 

 of the North American continent, and a system of observations organ- 

 ized which, if properly conducted in future, will tend to establish a 

 knowledge of the peculiarities of our climate, and to develope the laws 

 of the storms which visit particularly the eastern portion of the 

 United States during the winter. A series of original researches have 

 been made in the Institution in regard to different branches of natural 

 history, and also to portions of physical science particularly applica- 

 ble to economical purposes. 



In consideration of the difficulties with which the directors of the 

 Institution have had to contend, it will, I think, be generally ad- 

 mitted that more has been accomplished than, under the circum- 

 stances, could have reasonably been anticipated. Although several 

 steps may have been taken which were not in the proper direction, 

 the Kegents can scarcely be considered responsible for these, since 

 they were not entirely free to choose their own course, but were obliged 

 to be governed by the provisions of the act of incorporation. 



Whatever ground of doubt may have existed as to the authority of 

 Congress to accept the charge of the bequest^ there ean be none as to 

 the obligation to carry out the intention of the testator now that the 

 duty has been undertaken. The character of the government for justice 

 and intelligence is involved in the faithful and proper discharge of 

 the obligation assumed ; and this becomes a matter of graver import- 

 ance when it is considered that on the successful administration of the 

 affairs of this Institution depends the bestowment of other legacies of 

 a similar character intended for the good of men. If this Institution 

 should prove a failure, the loss would not be confined to the money 

 bequeathed by Smithson, but would involve the loss of confidence in 

 the management by public bodies of like trusts committed to their 

 care. 



The adverse effects of the early and consequently imperfect legis- 



