33 The Smithsonian Institution 



completed in 1881. In design the structure is of the type 

 commonly employed for exhibition buildings, being entirely 

 open above the ground floor. It covers a space of two and a 

 third acres. On account of the relatively small amount ap- 

 propriated for the building and the enormous growth of the 

 national collections, it was necessary to use building materials 

 of low cost and to cover in as much space as possible. The 

 building is regarded as one of the cheapest of its size ever 

 erected. While admirably adapted in most respects for the 

 purpose for which it was built, it does not, of course, present, 

 either externally or internally, an appearance as pleasing or 

 dignified as would have resulted from the use of a more ex- 

 pensive system of construction and more costly materials. 



While the building was under construction, Congress de- 

 cided that the United States Government should be repre- 

 sented at the Berlin Fisheries Exhibition of 1880 by the Fish 

 Commission. Professor Baird, then both Secretary of the In- 

 stitution and Fish Commissioner, appointed G. Brown Goode, 

 the Curator of the National Museum, as his deputy at the 

 exhibition. By this fortunate combination of circumstances, 

 Doctor Goode, the working head of the National Museum, 

 was afforded an opportunity to study the museums of Ger- 

 many and other parts of Europe, and brought home with him 

 a knowledge of the most approved methods of installation of 

 collections, labeling, and storage which was invaluable. Far 

 more fortunate was it that the Museum at this critical time in 

 its history had as its curator a man of such surpassing merit 

 as the lamented editor of this volume. Gifted with a philo- 

 sophical mind, a profound love of nature, a marvelously re- 

 tentive memory, and untiring energy, he acquired a range of 

 knowledge and a grasp of affairs which astonished his asso- 

 ciates, while his modesty, gentleness, and love of fair play 

 attracted to him and bound to his service men of the most 



