DISCOURSE OF W. B. TAYLOR. 299 



generous enterprise, is practically indicated by the rapid enlarge- 

 ment of the operations. The weight of matter sent abroad by the 

 Institution at the end of the first decade was 14,000 pounds for the 

 year 1857 : the weight sent at the end of the second decade was 

 22,000 pounds for the year 1867: and the weight sent at the end 

 of the third decade was 99,000 pounds for the last year 1877. 

 This admirable system has been greatly encouraged and facilitated 

 by the most praiseworthy liberality of the great lines of ocean 

 steamers, and of the leading railway companies, in carrying the 

 Smithsonian freight in many cases free of charge, or in other cases at 

 greatly reduced rates : an appreciative tribute alike to the beneficent 

 services and reputation of the Institution, and to the personal 

 character and influence of its Director. * 



" This part of the system of Smithsonian operations has every- 

 where received the commendation of those who have given it their 

 attention or have participated in its benefits. The Institution is 

 now the principal agent of scientific and literary communication 

 between the old world and the new. - - - The importance of 

 such a system with reference to the scientific character of our coun- 

 try, could scarcely be appreciated by those who are not familiar 

 with the results which flow from an easy and certain intercommu- 

 nication of this kind. Many of the most important contributions 

 to science made in America have been unheard of in Europe, or 

 have been so little known, or received so little attention, that they 

 have been republished as new discoveries or claimed as the product 

 of European research. "f It would indeed be difficult to estimate 

 rightly the benefit to science in the encouragement of its cultivators, 

 afforded by this fostering service. Few Societies are able to incur 

 much expense in the distribution of their publications ; and hence 



*"The cost of this system would far exceed the means of the Institution, were 

 It not for important aid received from various parties interested in facilitating 

 international intercourse and the promotion of friendly relations between distant 

 parts of the civilized world. The liberal aid extended by the steamship and 

 other lines, mentioned in previous reports, in carrying the boxes of the Smith- 

 son exchanges free of charge, has been continued, and several other lines have 

 been added to the number in the course of the year." (Smithsonian Report for 

 1867, p. 39.) Notwithstanding this unprecedented generosity, the exchange system 

 has reached such proportions as to require for its maintenance one-fourth of the 

 entire income from the Smithsonian fund. 



t Smithsonian Report for 1853, p. 25 (of Senate ed.) 



