REPOET OF THE SECEETAEY. 57 



three volumes, quarto size, einbraciug the land-birds. A second part, 

 that on the water-birds, is in an advanced state of preparation, and the 

 whole will be published within the year 1874. The work is fully illus- 

 trated by engravings finely executed in wood-cuts and in colored plates, 

 and it is believed will meet a want long felt and expressed as to a man- 

 ual of American ornithology. 



CONCLQSION. 



From the foregoing statements it will be evident that the Institution 

 is still in a prosperous condition 5 that it is continually increasing in 

 usefulness and reputation ; that, although the current operations will be 

 somewhat impeded during 1874 by the failure of the First National 

 Bank, yet the effect of this loss will be but temporary ; and that, with 

 the appropriation from Congress for the care of the museum, the 

 legitimate objects of the Institution can be prosecuted with more energy 

 than heretofore. 



Kespectfully submitted. 



JOSEPH HENRY, 



Secretary, 



Washington, January, 1874. 



