472 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 



Ninth. That a paper had heen received on a mathematical subject for the next vol- 

 ume of Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, which is now in progress of exam- 

 ination. 



Tenth. A proposition had been made to prepare, at the expense of the Institution, 

 another ephemeris of the planet Neptune, which met the approval of the Secretary. 



Eleventh. Papers of this kind will be issued at all times, without delay, as it had 

 been proposed to publish the volume of Contributions in parts, each separately paged 

 and numbered. 



The Secretary stated the necessity of constructing a number of 

 additional seats, for the accommodation of a large audience, in the 

 lecture-room of the east wing of the Smithsonian building. Agreed 

 to, and estimates recommended. 



That the public authorities of the city of Washington be solic- 

 ited to construct a foot bridge across Tenth street, and improve the 

 footway to the Smithsonian building; which was referred to Mr. 

 Seaton. 



The Secretary presented an estimate for the present quarter to 

 July 1st, for building, from the Architect, and general expenses, 

 amounting to $30,100 ; which was approved, viz : $24,000 for the 

 building, and $6,100 for general expenses. 



Bills Nos. 340 to 356 inclusive were examined and passed. 



The Secretary laid before the committee the circular of the 

 American Academy, of Boston, in relation to the continuance of 

 the Observatory at Altona, and the Astronomischen Nachrichten, 

 under Professor Schumacher. 



Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to express to Professor Schumacher the 

 views of the Executive Committee on the importance of the services rendered by the 

 Altona Observatory, as a centre of astronomical research, and the Astronomischen 

 Nachrichten, as a means of diffusing astronomical information throughout the world, 

 and their earnest hope for the sake of the progress of Astronomy that both will be 

 continued. 



On motion, the committee adjourned. 



TWENTY-FOUKTH MEETING. 



June 27, 1849. 

 The Executive Committee met at the Mayor's office. 

 Present, Mr. Seaton, (Chairman,) Mr. Bache, and the Secretary. 

 The Secretary made the following statement, relative to the ope- 

 rations since the last meeting of the committee : 



First. The east wing of the building was taken possession of, for the uses of the 

 Institution, the 10th of April, the upper rooms of the east range being temporarily 

 occupied by the Librarian, -and those over the laboratory, in the wing, by the Secre- 

 tary. Subsequently he removed to the lower rooms of the range, which he now occu- 

 pies. 



Second. Dr. Hare's apparatus has been unpacked, and found in tolerably good con- 

 dition — the breakage not considerable. A large box, principally of brass articles of 



