DISCOURSE OF W. B. TAYLOR. 307 



sonian collection of scientific works to the National Library : and 

 the propriety of this change was thus defended. "The east wing 

 of the Smithsonian building, in which the books were deposited is 

 not fire-proof, and is liable to destruction by accident or the torch 

 of the incendiary, while the rooms of the Capitol are of incom- 

 bustible materials. This wing was moreover filled to overflowing ; 

 and a more extended and secure depository could not be obtained, 

 except by another large draught on the accumulated funds intended 

 to form part of the permanent capital." * 



Second Visit to Europe. At a meeting of the Board of Regents, 

 held February 3rd, 1870, "General Delafield in behalf of the Exec- 

 utive Committee, stated that they deemed it highly important for 

 the interests of the Institution in the promotion of science, and due 

 to the Secretary for his long and devoted services, that he should 

 visit Europe to consult with the savans and societies of Great Britain 

 and the continent; and he therefore hoped that a leave of absence 

 would be granted to Professor Henry for several months, and an 

 allowance be made for his expenses. On motion of Dr. Maclean it 

 was unanimously Resolved, That Professor Henry, Secretary of the 

 Institution, be authorized to visit Europe in behalf of the interests 

 of the Smithsonian Institution, and that he be granted from three 

 to six months leave of absence, and two thousand dollars for 

 travelling expenses for this purpose." f 



It is not necessary here to recount the particulars of this second 

 visit of Henry to Europe, more fully than in the brief account 

 given by him in his annual Report. " Before closing this report, it 

 is proper that I should refer to a resolution adopted by your honor- 

 able board at its last session, granting me leave of absence to visit 

 Europe to confer with savans and societies relative to the Institu- 

 tion, and making provision for the payment of my expenses. The 

 presentation of this proposition was entirely without my knowl- 

 edge, but I need scarcely say that its unanimous adoption was 

 highly gratifying to my feelings; and that I availed myself of the 

 privilege it offered with a grateful appreciation of the kindness 



* Smithsonian Report for 1866, p. 14. 

 t Smithsonian Report for 1869, p. 89. 



