468 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 



Secretary, with the advice of Dr. Bache, added an instrument to he 

 loaned to Lieutenant Gilliss for observations on the intensity and 

 direction of the earthquake wave. An order has been sent to 

 Europe for the construction of the article. 



The committee sanctioned the expenditures for scientific pur- 

 poses referred to in the report of the Secretary. 



An application, for the purchase of the collection of minerals, 

 precious stones, and ores, belonging to the late British Minister, 

 from Francis Markoe, Jr., was laid before the committee by the 

 Secretary, who was requested to decline the purchase in suitable 

 terms. 



The application of Mr. John Downes, of Philadelphia, in refer- 

 ence to the preparation and printing of astronomical tables, was 

 referred to Professor Bache and the Secretary. 



On motion, the committee adjourned. 



TWENTIETH MEETING. 



February 6, 1849. 



The Executive Committee met at the Vice-President's room. 



Present, Mr. Seaton, (Chairman,) Mr. Pearce, Mr. Bache, and 

 the Secretary. 



The Secretary presented the following papers, referred to the 

 committee and the Regents : 



1. A memorial from Mr. Disturnell, of New York, relating to an appropriation by 

 the Government for collecting statistical information relating to North America; 

 which was laid on the table. 



2. A letter from F. Markoe, Jr., offering certain articles of natural history belong- 

 ing to the estate of H. S. Fox, Esq., late minister from Great Britain. The Secre- 

 tary was requested to inform Mr. Markoe that the funds of the Institution will not, 

 at present, allow the purchase of specimens of natural history. 



3. A letter from Mr. E. G. Squier, and Dr. E. H. Davis, in relation to the books 

 directed by the Board of Eegents to be distributed to them. And the Secretary was 

 requested to furnish one hundred copies of the volume of Contributions, containing 

 their memoir, to each of the authors. 



4. The application of P. A. Browne, Esq., of Philadelphia, for a subscription to a 

 work on " Hair and Fur," was referred to the Secretary. 



The Secretary stated that a portion of the building would soon 

 be ready for occupation, and asked instructions in regard to sup- 

 plying a watchman, and was requested to confer with the Building 

 Committee thereon. 



The subject of providing lecturers for the present season was re- 

 ferred to the Secretary. 



Mr. Seaton submitted to the committee an account, by Peter 

 Gorman, for alleged services ; which was laid upon the table. 



On motion, the committee adjourned. 



