4^0 The Sinifhsonian Institution 



of great magnitude. Fortunately, so far as North America 

 is concerned, the government of the United States, a few 

 years after the founding of the Institution, inaugurated a 

 great series of surveys for railroad routes across the conti- 

 nent, and for the delimitation of boundary lines. These 

 have been followed by general topographical and geological 

 and biological surveys, and by explorations of the coasts and 

 of the rivers and lakes in the interest of commerce and the 

 fisheries. An extensive knowledge of the characteristics and 

 natural resources of the continent has thus been obtained 

 very largely at the expense of the general government. Yet 

 in all these undertakings the influence of the Institution has 

 been felt, and its aid has been of importance. Especially 

 was this true in the earlier years of its history, when the par- 

 ticipation of the government in scientific research was less 

 extensive and less varied than at present. In many lines the 

 Institution was a pioneer, and the government interested 

 itself only after the importance and the practical bearings of 

 the investigations had been demonstrated. 



In explorations, perhaps, more than in any other form of 

 activities, the peculiar workings of the policy of the Institu- 

 tion can be seen to advantage. Established "for the increase 

 and diffusion of knowledge," its rule has nevertheless been 

 that of "not expending the Smithson fund in doing with it 

 what could be equally well done by other means"; but, on 

 the other hand, it has endeavored to foster those worthy en- 

 terprises which seemed likely to fail for want of proper sup- 

 port. In explorations, as in other lines of work, it has not 

 entered into competition with kindred organizations, but has 

 endeavored to make their work broader and more successful, 

 without the expectation of advantage to itself It has not 

 sought the credit which attaches to the management of great 

 explorations, but has found satisfaction in aiding other or- 



