466 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 



volume was sent in exchange. Also, an expression of opinion and 

 suggestions relative to the programme adopted. 



A circular had been prepared by Professor Jewett, and had been 

 sent to the same institutions for the purpose of collecting statistics 

 as to the several libraries in this country. Answers to these are 

 now received daily. 



The copies of the first volume of the Contributions had been 

 deposited for safe-keeping in the Custom House in New York. 

 The Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Walker, readily granted a room 

 for this purpose, on application of the Secretary of the Institution. 



The Computation of Oceultations. — With the advice of Dr. Bache, 

 the Secretary had ventured to order the computation of a set of 

 tables of oceultations similar to those published last year, for the 

 year 1849. These will be of great importance to the officers of the 

 General Government who may be engaged on the boundary surveys 

 of the new possessions of our country ; and indeed it would be but 

 just if the Government were to pay part of the expense of the pub- 

 lication of these tables. The computations include oceultations 

 visible over nearly the whole of North America, and it is presumed 

 the committee will not think three hundred dollars too large a sum 

 to be paid Mr. Downes for the labor of the calculation of these 

 tables, when it is stated that it has occupied his whole time, at the 

 rate of eight hours a day, for six months, with the almost constant 

 assistance of his wife. In order to insure accuracy, and that there 

 might be stricken off extra numbers, the tables have been stereo- 

 typed. The distribution of the pamphlet on oceultations has been 

 commenced. 



Meteorology. — The Secretary of the Navy has officially directed 

 Professor Espy to call upon the Secretary of the Smithsonian Insti- 

 tution for direction as to his meteorological labors. In connection 

 with Mr. Espy a circular has been addressed to all persons who 

 would probably be disposed to take part in the contemplated system 

 of observations. Six sets of barometers and thermometers have 

 been compared with a standard, and forwarded by the steamer 

 " Panama" to the coast of Oregon and California. Also, a set has 

 been prepared for Bent's Fort, and another for Santa Fe. The 

 workman has unfortunately disappointed the Secretary in getting 

 the latter ready in time to send by Mr. St. Vrain. The Secretary 

 acknowledges his obligation to Professor Coffin, of Lafayette Col- 

 lege, for a very extensive list of observers, extending over the entire 

 American continent. 



Second Volume of Contributions. — A number of memoirs have been 



