REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



AYERY FUND. 



In regard to the bequest of Mr, Robert Stantou Avery, referred to in 

 previous reports, a definite settlement lias not been reached with the 

 heirs at law, so that it is not possible to state the exact amount that 

 this fund will reach. 



BUILDINGS. 



No important changes were made in the Smithsonian Building dur- 

 ing the year. Two Museum storage sheds adjacent to the building 

 have been removed, with a great improvement in the appearance of 

 the south front, while at the same time a source of danger from fire is 

 averted. It is still necessary to retain some workshops south of the 

 western portion of the building, no rooms being elsewhere available, 

 but it is hoped that these also will soon be removed. 



I may call attention to the need of additional room for the proper 

 storage of such jjublications of the Institution and its bureaus as 

 must be retained in reserve. These are comparatively few in number 

 for each particular work, but the accumulations of fifty years occupy 

 in the aggregate so much space as to demand more storage room than 

 is now available and create a positive danger in the excessive weight 

 that is now placed upon the floors of upper stories, while the work of 

 distribution of publications is now carried on in very inconvenient and 

 inaccessible quarters. I have under consideration the feasibility of 

 some changes in the interior arrangement of the main north and south 

 towers of the building which would render suitable for storage pur- 

 poses much space which can not now be utilized. 



I may also mention the very decided improvement that would result 

 from the remodeling of tlie steep and long iron stairways leading to 

 the great hall of the building, which is now used for archaeological 

 collections. 



The improvements in progress in the Museum by the erection of 

 galleries in several of the halls are alluded to elsewhere. 



RESEARCH. 



Although the time of the Secretary must be almost wholly given to 

 administrative affairs, yet, as in years past, in carrying out the wish of 

 the Regents ^ and in continuation of investigations begun prior to my 

 connection with the lustitntiou, I have devoted such time as I could 

 spare to researches upon the solar spectrum and to experiments in 

 connection with certain physical data of aerodynamics. 



Both of these investigations have reached a stage at which it is pos- 

 sible to give to the world somewhat fall statements of results. In my 



^Resolved, That the Secretary continue his researches in physical science and pre- 

 sent such facts and principles as may be developed for pnblication in the Smithsonian 

 Contributions. (Adoj)ted at meeting of the Board of Regents January 26; 1847.) 



