REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. : 25 
be feared will necessitate very early removal. It is most desirable that 
the boundary of the park, which now runs along the very edge of this 
precipice, should be carried back a few yards to thus avoid the expense 
of a costly permanent retaining wall. 
A house for the bison has been built and another for animals re- 
quiring warmer winter quarters is in course of construction, a portion 
of it being already occupied. It will not be possible to complete this 
house upon the original plan under the present appropriation, but it 
was deemed a wise economy to accept a design which could be par- 
tially completed and extended as the need for more room became 
pressing and other means should become available. 
Already the establishment in the United States of a Nationai Zoolog- 
ical Park under the management and guidance of the Smithsonian In- 
stitution has attracted the attention of similar institutions and of nat- 
uralists in other countries, and liberal offers of gifts and exchanges 
have been made. 
From Sumatra, from the islands of the Pacific, from the shores of 
Alaska, and from our own national parks, have come offers of gifts or 
terms of purchase, but I regret to say that it has been necessary to 
defer acceptance of all these offers owing to lack of funds even to pay 
transportation. 
NECROLOGY. 
GEORGE BANCROFT. 
It seems unnecessary to give here more than a brief outline of the 
connection of the distinguished historian, the Hon. George Bancroft, 
with the Smithsonian Institution. 
Mr. Bancroft was elected by Congress a regent from the city of Wash- 
ington, December 11, 1874. He was appointed chairman of a special 
committee to memorialize Congress for a building for the National Mu- 
seum; he served on a committee under whose direction a portrait of 
Prof. Henry was painted, and on January 20, 1875, was elected a mem- 
ber of the executive committee. Heresigned from the Board in March, 
1878, after serving four years. Mr. Bancroft died on January 17, 1891. 
WILLIAM TECUMSEH SHERMAN. 
As in the case of Mr. Bancroft, any extended notice of the life of 
Gen. Sherman would seem entirely superfluous, but it is fitting that I 
should mention here his interested and valuable services upon the 
Board of Regents. 
Gen. Sherman was elected by Congress a regent from the city of 
Washington, January 30, 1871, and became a member of the executive 
committee of the Board, March 9 of the same year. His resignation from 
the Board was presented November 12, 1874, on account of a change of 
residence from Washington to St. Louis. 
