XIV JOUKNAL OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 



years which have elapsed since the purchase has been so great that if these had then 

 the value attributed to them they must he Avorth from five to ten times that amount 

 now, or even more. 



Immediately after the fire at the Institution, in 1865, doubt was felt that the build- 

 ing was a place of safety, and a portion of the collection was transferred to the 

 Library of Congress, and in 1874 and 1879 other portions were lent to the newly 

 founded Corcoran Art Gallery. The transfer was with the express understanding 

 that they were there for deposit only, and to be reclaimed by the Regents at any 

 time. 



A portion of the collection is identified by Mr. Spofford as in the charge of the 

 Library at the Capitol, except a few A r olumes and engravings which he hopes to find 

 at the time of the coming transfer to the new building. There is no question made 

 by the Corcoran Gallery about the fact of the engravings and etchings which they 

 have on deposit. 



In view of the fact of the coming occupancy of the new Congressional Library, 

 in which it is expected that special quarters will be assigned to the Smithsonian 

 deposit, both for storing in the "East Stack" of its now over 300,000 titles, and of 

 a suitable room for their consultation, and of the further fact that the Corcoran 

 Gallery will also shortly move into a new building, I have thought it might be 

 desirable for the Regents to take action looking to the reclamation of the engrav- 

 ings, etchings, and other works of art. 



This building has since been made fireproof, and recent changes have given it 

 means of properly caring for these collections. 



Senator Gray offered the following resolution, which was adopted: 



Resolved, That the question of the propriety of bringing the works of art belong- 

 ing to the Institution under tin- more immediate control of the Board of Regents be 

 referred to the Executive Committee and the Secretary, with power to act. 



The Secretary proceeded : 



The charter of the Smithsonian Institution bears the date of August 10, 1846. For 

 some years the question has been under consideration how best to celebrate the com- 

 pletion of the first half century, and the matter was fully discussed in 1893 with the 

 Executive Committee. It seems quite impracticable to arrange for a gathering of 

 delegates from other scientific institutions, such as are often held on similar occa- 

 sions by universities and academies of science. The simplest and most effective 

 means seems to be the publication of a suitable memorial volume, which should 

 give an account of the origin of the Institution, its achievements, and its present 

 condition. 



Arrangements have been made, therefore, for the preparation of such a volume, 

 and the work is in an advanced state. The editorial supervision has been intrusted 

 to the Assistant Secretary, and a number of persons, eminent authorities in their own 

 specialties, have been invited to contribute special chapters. 



SMITIISON MEMOKIAL TABLETS. 



Continuing, the Secretary said : 



In the same connection, I have, under the authority of the Regents, directed two 

 suitable bronze tablets to be set up afc the burial place of Smithson / in Genoa — one 

 in the English Church and the other on his tomb. 



SMITHSONIAN TABLE AT NAPLES. 



The Secretary si>oke of the Zoological Station at Naples, in connec- 

 tion with the Tables supported by foreign governments, and stated 

 that on the petition of American universities and scholars he had 



