PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. XXV 
In view of the recent examination by a commission appointed by 
the President into the business methods of all the Government De- 
partments, exclusive of those under the charge of the Smithsonian 
Institution, the Secretary thought it would be wise to appoint a com- 
mittee on business methods for the purpose of examining into all the 
business methods of the Institution and its several branches with a 
view of suggesting, if found desirable, improvements in the business 
methods of the Institution and its various branches, and in the trans- 
action of business between them and the Institution. 
(c) RESEARCH WORK OF THE INSTITUTION. 
The Secretary stated that of the parent fund there would be avail- 
able up to July 1, 1907, somewhat over $15,000 for the uses of the 
Institution over and above fixed charges. For the coming fiscal year 
1907-8, after providing for the regular charges, there was a prospect 
of about $22,000, which would be all that was available for printing 
and research. This was a very small fund, and it would be desirable 
to have more money for research and publication in the future. 
(dad) RESEARCH WORK OF THE SECRETARY. 
Attention was called to the desirability of the Secretary of the 
Institution keeping in touch with the spirit of research work by 
carrying on some original investigations. Professor Henry before 
coming to the Institution had developed many matters of great im- 
portance in connection with electricity, and while Secretary took up 
the subject of meteorology and also greatly aided the Government in 
the establishment of the system of light-houses under the Light- 
House Board. Secretary Baird was a student of natural history in 
general, and later devoted himself to fishes. The development of the 
food fishes, not only of the United States but of the world, received 
a great impetus by the organization of the National Fish Commission 
as the result of his studies. Secretary Langley invented the bolom- 
eter, and used it with great success in connection with his inves- 
tigations in the Astrophysical Observatory and his study of solar 
physics. 
The Secretary added that his own research work had been in the 
line of geology and paleozoology, and that he desired to continue it 
as opportunity and time permitted. 
The Secretary continued that he was desirous of obtaining special 
endowments for the purpose of exploring and studying Central and 
South America. This would embrace all natural history, including 
zoology and botany, the securing of a knowledge of the natural re- 
sources, and also anthropological, including archeological investi- 
gation. 
He particularly called attention to the fact that researches bearing 
upon the people of the Americas and their activities should be carried 
