The Untied States National Museum 3 2 7 



Rau, Edward Foreman, and F. H. Gushing; in mineral re- 

 sources, William P. Blake and Thomas Donaldson. 



When the idea of holding a great exhibition under the 

 government was first put forth, both Secretary Henry and 

 Professor Baird foresaw that the effect on the National 

 Museum must be of the greatest moment The objects 

 purchased and exhibited by the government of the United 

 States would find their final resting-place in the Museum, 

 and many foreign governments and private exhibitors would 

 doubtless present their exhibits to the United States, with 

 the result that they also would find their way into the 

 Museum. 



"The results of the operations of the Institution in con- 

 nection with the Centennial Exhibition," wrote Professor 

 Henry in 1875, "will probably have a much greater effect 

 on the future of the establishment than is at first sight ap- 

 parent. The large number of specimens which have been 

 collected by the several Departments of Government and by 

 the Institution itself in view of this Exhibition will greatly 

 increase the contents of the National Museum, and if we add 

 to these the specimens which will be presented by foreign 

 powers, of which we have already had intimations, the num- 

 ber will be swelled to an extent far beyond the capacity of 

 the present building to contain them, and an additional edifice 

 will be required for their accommodation. 



"In the consideration of this matter, the questions will arise 

 whether the building required shall consist of an extension 

 of the present Smithsonian edifice, or an entirely separate 

 building; and these questions will involve another, viz., 

 whether it is advisable to continue, at least without some 

 modification, the connection which now exists between the 

 Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum. 



"The Museum is destined to an extension far beyond its 

 present magnitude. It is an object of much interest to all 

 who visit the National Capital, and is of great value as ex- 



