194 EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF 



These tables are corrected for the perturbing influence of the planets 

 Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus, by deductions from mathematical investi- 

 gations of Professor Peirce, of Harvard University. They have been 

 used in following the motion of Neptune, by all the principal astrono- 

 mers of the world, and have everywhere received the highest commen- 

 dation, reflecting honor on the Institution, and on the science of the 

 country. 



Museum. 



The act of Congress authorizing the establishment of the Smithsonian 

 Institution contemplates the formation of a Museum of Natural History. 

 It would not, however, be in accordance with the spirit of the organi- 

 zation, to expend the income in the reproduction of collections of ob- 

 jects which are to be found in every museum of the country. Natural 

 history can be much more effectually promoted by special collections 

 of new objects ; by appropriations for original explorations and re- 

 searches ; and, above all, by assistance in the preparation of the neces- 

 sary drawings, and by presenting to the world, in a proper form, the 

 labors of naturalists. In conformity with these views, it has been re- 

 solved to confine the collections, principally, to objects of a special 

 character, or to such as may lead to the discovery of new truths, or 

 which may serve to verify or disprove existing or proposed scientific 

 generalizations. A number of special collections, important in this 

 point of view, are mentioned by Professor Agassiz, in the Appendix to 

 my last Report ; and, for a more enlarged statement relating to the same 

 subject, I would refer naturalists to the accompanying report by Profes- 

 sor Baird, to whom the charge of the collections of natural history has 

 been confided. 



A considerable number of specimens in mineralogy, geology, and 

 botany, had been received previous to Professor Baird's connexion 

 with the Institution ; and since he has entered upon his duties, a large 

 addition has been made to the stock, by the deposite of his own cabinet, 

 and by donations from various sources. 



The collection is principally rich in undescribed species of fishes 

 and reptiles ; and especial care will be taken by Professor Baird to en- 

 hance its value, by procuring, in all cases, as far as practicable, such 

 specimens as may help to solve questions of scientific interest. The 

 collection has been arranged in one of the rooms of the basement story, 

 so as to be available to the student in this branch of science, and has 

 already done service in this way, by furnishing the facts given in one 

 of the memoirs of the Smithsonian Contributions. Though letters are 

 constantly received requesting the Institution to purchase collections of 

 plants, minerals, and other objects of natural history, yet we have de- 

 clined, in all cases, to avail ourselves of opportunities of this kind to 

 increase the cabinet. Experience has, thus far, shown that specimens 

 of all kinds will accumulate, from donations and exchange, as rapidly 

 as they can be accommodated with room, and properly arranged. 



I have given, in my last report, the reasons why it is not thought ad- 

 visable, on the part of the Institution, to accept the gift, proffered by 

 Congress, of the great museum of the Exploring Expedition, and I have 

 no reason to change my opinion on that point. 



