REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 91 
I had with me a copy of Article VII of the conventions of 1886, in both 
English and French, which was read: 
Art. VII. The bureaus of exchange will serve, in an official capacity, as in- 
termediaries between the learned bodies and literary and scientific societies, 
ete., of the contracting States for the reception and transmission of their pub- 
lications. 
It remains, however, well understood that, in such case, the duty of the 
bureaus of exchange will be confined to the free transmission of the works 
exchanged, and that these bureaus will nut in any manner take the initiative 
to bring about the establishment of such relations. 
One more resolution was presented: 
That the service of international exchanges should be developed in the most 
complete manner in the participating countries, and that like organizations 
should be created in the other States—VIII. Q. 7. (M. Sury, Bruxelles.) 
In connection with attending this congress permission was given me to visit 
the principal libraries of London, Paris, and Berlin, and observations were 
made and are contained in a series of notes taken down at the time for refer- 
ence in the Smithsonian Library. When the libraries were closed, I occupied 
my time in visiting the museums, taking notes of methods, etc. 
Respectfully submitted. 
PAUL BROCKETT, 
Assistant Librarian. 
Dr. CHARLES D. WALCOTT, 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 
