908 CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 



or beneficial to vegetation," prepared by Professor Glover, the plates 

 and manuscripts of which he wishes to sell to the United States. 



Although not an entomologist, I can form an opinion in regard to 

 the work, having been familiar with its purposes for many years. It 

 consists of about 270 engraved copper plates, in octavo, representing 

 many thousands of the insects injurious and beneficial to vegetation in 

 the United States, and presented in various stages of growth and in 

 their relationships to the plants or animals on which they feed or 

 which they harbor. Although not claiming the most minute condi- 

 tions of accuracy, I am assured that all the details necessary for 'the 

 identification of the various species are given. 1 have therefore no 

 hesitation in saying that I believe the book in question to be of great 

 value to the agriculturist and that its publication and judicious dis- 

 tribution throughout the country would be of great importance. In 

 view of its magnitude its publication by private enterprise is hardly 

 to be thought of, and without assistance from the Government it will 

 never likely see the light. 



From my own experience, the cost of engravings on copper, like 

 those constituting Professor Glover's plates, I am satisfied that $100 

 each would be a very moderate estimate for reproducing them, includ- 

 ing, as in this case, the original drawings, their transfer to copper, 

 and the copper plate itself. Mr. Casilear, of the Bureau of Engraving 

 and Printing, some years ago made his estimate the same as mine. I 

 understand that Professor Glover is willing to take $7,500 for the 

 entire lot. It would be absolutely impossible to reproduce these 

 engravings at anything like this sum. In this price is also included a 

 large amount of text, more or less complete. 



I do not doubt but that the work could readily be published b}^ the 

 Government so as to involve but little expense beyond that of the first 

 cost of the plates. 



The plates in question were some years ago stored by Professor 

 Glover at the Smithsonian Institution, and are now in my custody. 

 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



Spencer F. Baird, Secretary. 



Hon. E. M. Valentine, 



dtairman Coirvmittee on Agriculture. 



August 7, 1882. 



Sundry civil act for 1883. 



For the purchase of the plates and manuscript on the insects of 

 America from Professor Townend Glover, $7,000. 

 (Stat., XXII, 333.) 



ETHNOLOGY — CONTRIBUTIONS AND REPORTS. 

 June 12, 1882— House. 



Mr. William Aldrich introduced joint resolution (H. 232): 



That there be printed and bound at the Government Printing Office, for tlie use of 

 the Department of the Interior, 2,500 copies each of vohimes 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of Con- 



