16 KEPOKT OF THE SECRET AEY. 



the vast mass of Smithsonian material that had accmnulated in the old 

 Library has now been arranged in a systematic manner, and is available 

 for study. 



The east stack, in which the transactions of learned societies and 

 periodicals belonging to the Smithsonian deposit were placed, lacked 

 the necessary conveniences to enable scholars to consult these series 

 direct. 



The Librarian of Congress has recognized the disadvantages of the 

 present situation, and proposes asking Congress to provide furniture 

 for several of the large halls, in order that these series may be made 

 available to the numerous scientific students desiring to consult them. 

 In this connection he also intends to ask provision for the proper cus- 

 tody of the collection. I sincerely trust that Congress may see its 

 way clear to supporting these various measures of the Librarian for 

 making the library Avorthy of its new homo and of the nation. 



A special room is being fitted up in the Institution for the care of 

 engravings and works relating to the fine arts. 



As in nearly every other line of Smithsonian activities, so in the 

 library, lack of sufiicient room prevents the introduction of desired 

 improvements. The cataloguing and reading room.s, that seemed 

 ample for the growth of many j^ears, have in a brief time become 

 greatly crowded, and additional quarters will soon be absolutely 

 necessary. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



In accordance with the general plan which has been in vogue in the 

 Institution ever since its foundation, careful attention has been given 

 to all communications received, and it has been endeavored so far as 

 possible to furnish information called for. A considerable number of 

 letters contained inquiries having no bearing on the activities of the 

 Institution, or on science in general, but even in such cases, where 

 data could be conveniently had, replies have been made. A large 

 number of communications have also been referred to other bureaus 

 or establishments of the Government having immediate supervision of 

 the matters to which they related. 



Letters pertaining to matters of a special nature, or which on 

 account of their importance deserve special care in handling, with a 

 view to insuring attention are entered in a register kept especially 

 for the purpose, and 3,381 of these special entries have been made 

 during the year covered by this report. In accordance with the rule 

 observed with this correspondence, a record is made of each individual 

 step in the treatment of the letter until it can be reported that it has 

 been completely attended to and placed on file. 



It is gratifying to note that, owing to the careful manner in which 

 the routine has been established and systematized, there has been 



