PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 321 



tion Company, Panama Railroad Company, and California and Mexico Steam- 

 ship Company have generously aided in advancing the objects of the Smithso- 

 nian Institution and the promotion of science by the facilities they have 

 afforded in the transportation of books, specimens, etc., free of charge : There- 

 fore, 



Resolved, That the thanks of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Insti- 

 tution are hereby given to the directors and officers of the above-named compa- 

 nies for this liberal and enlightened action. 



Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted by the Secretary 

 to each of the companies. 



Professor Henry submitted a statement as to the proposed researches and 

 publications during the present year. 



Hon. Mr. Parker stated that the city councils had under consideration the 

 ceding of the canal, which bounds the Smithsonian grounds to the north, to a 

 private company, and as this might affect the interests of the Institution he 

 thought some action should bo taken in regard to it. 

 On motion of General Garfield, it was 



Resolved, That the Executive Committee be instructed to ascertain what 

 measures are proposed to be taken by the city authorities of Washington in 

 regard to the canal, so far as concerns the Smithsonian Institution. 



The Chancellor called attention to the fact that a committee was appointed 

 at the last meeting to prepare estimates for the completion of the large hall 

 and for obtaining an adequate appropriation from Congress for the care of the 

 government collections, and expressed the desire that this committee should 

 act immediately in regard to the matter. 



The Secretary, on behalf of the committee, stated that on consultation with the 

 architect it was thought that $50,000 would be required for finishing the large 

 room and supplying it with cases, and that at least $10,000 annually ought to be 

 appropriated for the care of the museum. Whereupon it was 



Resolved, That a memorial be presented to Congress asking appropriations in 

 accordance with the report of the committee. 



The Secretary gave an account of the establishment of a scientific society in 

 Egypt publishing valuable transactions winch had been received by the Insti- 

 tution. 



The Board then adjourned to meet on Friday, May 1, at 7 o'clock p. m. 



Friday, May 1, 1868. 



A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day at 7 o'clock p. m. 

 Present, Chief Justice Chase, (the Chancellor,) Hon. B. F. Wade, Hon. Lyman 

 Trumbull, Hon. L. P. Poland, Hon. J. V. L. Pruyn, Hon. Richard Wailach, 

 General R. Delafield, Hon. Peter Parker, Rev. Dr. John Maclean, and Profes- 

 sor Henry, the Secretary. 



The Chancellor took the chair, and the minutes of the last meeting were 

 read and approved. 



General Delafield, from the Executive Committee, reported that ho had col- 

 lected a large amount of information in relation to the canal, (bounding the 

 Smithsonian grounds,) but was not yet ready to make a report. 

 21 



