REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 15 



Japan, and China with special reference (1) to their introduction 

 into the United States and (2) to the publication of a revision of 

 the economic bamboos of the world. 



Dr. Hitchcock arrived in Manila June 9 and spent 19 days in the 

 islands, mostly in Luzon. He visited Los Baiios and from there 

 ascended to the summit of Makiling, 3,300 feet, through virgin 

 forest. He also ascended Baguio, 5,000 feet, and Santo Thomas, 

 8,000 feet. 



At the close of the j^ear he was en route to Japan by way of 

 Hongkong. In Japan he intends to visit Hokone and to ascend 

 Mount Fuji and other mountains, studying and collecting bamboos. 

 From there he will proceed to China, and, if time permits; to Java, 

 returning to Washington the latter part of December. 



RESEARCHES ON A MULTIPLE-CHARGE ROCKET FOR REACHING GREAT 



ALTITUDES. 



As mentioned in my last report, Prof. Robert H. Goddard, of Clark 

 University, is working under a grant from the Hodgkins fund of the 

 Institution, on a multiple-charge rocket for exploring the unknown 

 upper layers of the earth's atmosphere. During the year the work 

 has consisted entirely of the construction and test of a small model, 

 illustrating the multiple-charge principle. 



The experiments and tests carried on during the year have been 

 specifically for the purpose of eliminating jamming, of improving 

 and simplifying the firing devices, of securing proper protection for 

 the propelling charges, and of overcoming difficulties introduced by 

 changes in the manufacture of materials used. 



A parachute device for preventing damage to the rocket and any 

 apparatus or instruments carried has been made which operates for 

 a fall of 60 feet. In addition to this, a modification has been con- 

 structed suitable for operating the parachute after a short fall in 

 rarefied air, such as is to be encountered at high elevations. 



The intention has been to demonstrate as early as possible a model 

 multiple-charge rocket such as has been mentioned, a successful dem- 

 onstration of which, it is believed, should show clearly that a larger 

 multiple-charge rocket, constructed upon the same lines, will make 

 possible the reaching of great altitudes. 



MEETING IN HONOR OF MADAME CURIE. 



A meeting in honor of Madame Curie, the codiscoverer of radium, 

 was held in the auditorium of the National Museum the evening of 

 May 20, 1921, by the Madame Curie Committee of Washington. The 

 address of welcome to Madame Curie was delivered by your secre- 

 tary, honorary chairman of the committee, who said in part : 



