KEPOKT OF THE SECRETARY. 35 



Before closing this report it is proper that I should refer to a resolu- 

 tion adopted by your honorable board at its last session, granting me 

 leave of absence to visit Europe to confer with savans and societies 

 relative to the Institution, and making provision for the payment of my 

 expenses. The presentation of this proposition was entirely without 

 my knowledge, but I need scarcely say that its unanimous adoption was 

 highly gratifying to my feelings, and that I availed myself of the privi- 

 lege it offered with a grateful appreciation of the kindness intended. 



I sailed from New York on the 1st of June, returning, after an absence 

 of four and a half months, much improved in health and with impres- 

 sions, as to science and education in the Old World, which may be ol 

 value in directing the affairs of the Institution. Although limited as to 

 time, and my plans interfered with somewhat by the war, I visited 

 England, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, parts of Germany and France. 

 But deferring, for the present, an account of my travels and the observa- 

 tions connected with them, I will merely state that, as your representa- 

 tive, I was everywhere kindly received, and highly gratified with the 

 commendations bestowed on the character and operations of the 

 Institution intrusted to your care. 



Respectfully submitted. 



JOSEPH HENRY. 



January, 1871. 





