REPORT OP THE SECRETARY. 91 



I had with ine a copy of Article VII of the conventions of 1886, in both 

 English and French, which was read: 



Art. VII. The bureaus of exchange will serve, in an official capacity, as in- 

 termediaries between the learned bodies and literary and scientific societies, 

 etc., of the contracting States for the reception and transmission of their pub- 

 lications. 



It remains, however, well understood that, in such case, the duty of the 

 bureaus of exchange will be confined to the free transmission of the works 

 exchanged, and that these bureaus will not in any manner take the initiative 

 to bring about the establishment of such relations. 



One more resolution was presented : 



That the service of international exchanges should be developed in the most 

 complete manner in the participating countries, and that like organizations 

 should be created in the other States. — VIII. Q. 7. (M. Sury, Bruxelles.) 



In connection with attending this congress permission was given me to visit 

 the principal libraries of London, Paris, and Berlin, and observations were 

 made and are contained in a series of notes taken down at the time for refer- 

 ence in the Smithsonian Library. When the libraries were closed, I occupied 

 my time in visiting the museums, taking notes of methods, etc. 

 Respectfully submitted. 



Patjl Bkockett, 



Assistant Librarian. 



Dr. Chaeles D. Walcott, 



Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 



o 



