REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 61 
before the plan of organization was generally understood, special 
care was taken to invite as lecturers men of prominence in the line 
of literature that they might have an opportunity to become familiar 
with the plan adopted, and in this way many prejudices were re- 
moved and much information diffused as to the character of the es- 
tablishment. 
The lectures were commenced before the building was erected, the 
first course being in 1847, by the Rev. Dr. Scoresby, of England, on 
the construction and use of the large telescope of Harl Rosse, and 
have been continued every winter up to the present time. Until 
within the last four years they were well attended, and no doubt 
produced a beneficial effect ; but since the commencement of the war 
and the introduction into the city of a large number of sources of 
amusement, the audience has fallen off, or has been composed in a 
large degree of persons seeking amusement rather than information, 
The most important result produced by the lectures is that derived 
from their publication. ‘ 
Nothing definite can be said at present as to the financial arrange- 
ments for the repair of the building. The subject is still before Con- 
gress, and although the idea has been confidently entertained that an 
appropriation would be made for the purpose, yet from the discussion 
- which took place in the meeting of the joint committee of the two 
Houses appointed to consider this matter, I do not think a resolution 
authorizing such an appropriation will be adopted. In view of the 
impression produced by this discussion, at which I was invited to be 
present, I suggested to the committee that if the members would 
agree to recommend, an appropriation to pay the back premium on 
coin for the last four years’ interest on the Smithsonian fund, and in 
the event of the success of the recommendation, I thought the Regents 
would have it in their power to finish the repairs by means of the 
extra fund which has been accumulated. 
Respectfully submitted, 
JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary. 
WASHINGTON, 1865. 
