REPORT OF THE SECEETAEY. 13 



and a large number are now in the hands of the binder, each volume 

 being marked on the back with a stamp indicating that it is a Smithson 

 deposit. 



In the arrangement of the National Library the publications of learned 

 societies, of which the Smithson books principally consist, form one 

 chapter of the general collection, which occupies the greater portion of 

 the south wing of the western projection of the Capitol. It is desired 

 by the Institution, as well as by the National Library, that this collec- 

 tion should be as complete as possible in the publications of all learned 

 societies which have existed from their first establishment in Italy, about 

 the middle of the sixteenth century, until the present time. Through 

 the kindness of the older societies of Europe a larger collection of their 

 publications has been made by this Institution than was ever before 

 formed in this country, or, with few exceptions, in any of the cities of 

 the Old World. Still, there are many series wanting, and several of 

 those now in our possession are defective ; exertions will therefore be 

 made, through our correspondents, to supply deficiencies. The value of 

 the scientific collections as well as of the general library will be much 

 enhanced by the catalogue of books, and particularly that of subjects now 

 in progress, and which, as we are informed, will be completed during the 

 present year. The third volume of the index of scientific papers, pre- 

 pared by the Eoyal Society of London, has been printed and will soon 

 be distributed. The completion of this great work will have an import- 

 ant influence on the use of the National Library, to which it will be 

 especially applicable. 



The national library has increased so rapidly during the past three years, 

 that the three-fold space allotted to it in the Capitol is now insufficient for 

 its accommodation. Further room, as we learn, has been asked for, 

 and we would suggest that this might be best secured by the erection 

 of a separate building, in whose plan of construction should be incor- 

 porated all the latest improvements for the use and protection of books. 

 But whatever may be done in this way, greater facilities than now 

 exist for the consultation of the library should be afforded, by making 

 it accessible in the evenings to those who are precluded from the use of 

 its collections by their official occupation during the hours at which it 

 is now open. 



Gallery of Art. — It was stated in the last report that Mr. W. W. 

 Corcoran, with an enlightened liberality only commensurate with his 

 means, had resolved to found in Washington an institution exclusively 

 devoted to art. This design,which would long since have been carried into 

 execution, was interrupted by the war, the building erected for the pur- 

 pose having been applied to the uses of the government ; but we are gratified 

 in being able to state that the possession of it has been restored to Mr. 

 Corcoran, and that he has placed it in charge of trustees, who are to fill 

 vacancies in their board and direct all the affairs of the establishment. 



