REPORT OP THE SECRETARY. 53 



Gallery of Art. — The large and valuable collection of paintings of 

 Indian portraits and scenes of Indian life belonging to Mr. Stanley, 

 and those of the Government, have continued to form an object of 

 attraction and interest to the numerous visitors of the Institution. The 

 large room in which these pictures are displayed has been furnished 

 with cases to contain the specimens of Indian costume, implements 

 of war, and other articles to illustrate Indian manners and customs, 

 which the Institution has received as presents from different parties. 



No application of late has been made to Congress for an appropria- 

 tion to purchase the valuable collection of Indian portraits belonging 

 to Mr. Stanley, although it is hoped that in a more favorable condition 

 of the Treasury an appropriation for this purpose will be granted. 



At the last session of the board a letter from Professor Secchi, of 

 Rome, was read, stating that he had obtained permission for the Insti- 

 tution to procure casts or moulds of celebrated statues in the Vatican, 

 but it was concluded that all operations in this line should be deferred 

 until the completion of the large and elegant building now in process 

 of construction by Mr. W. W. Corcoran, of this city, to be devoted by 

 him to the exhibition of works of art. In accordance with the policy 

 adopted by the Institution, it has been proposed to cooperate with Mr, 

 Corcoran in his liberal and generous enterprise, and to lend the influ- 

 ence of the Institution in procuring specimens of art for his gallery. 



A considerable number of valuable engravings have been added to 

 the collection by donations from the King of Saxony, and a series of 

 those previously in the possession of the Institution, have been framed 

 and hung up in different parts of the building. The plaster figures 

 received by the Institution from the Patent Office have been cleaned 

 and repaired, and are now exhibited in the connecting range of the 

 west wing. The Secretary of the Interior has sent to the Institution 

 the large stone sarcophagus brought from Syria by Commodore Elliott. 

 It is an interesting relic of Roman sculpture, and has been placed in 

 the south entrance hall of the building. It is proper also to mention 

 that the relatives of the late Professor Espy have presented a half 

 length portrait of him, which is at present placed in the library. 



Lectures. — In accordance with the programme of the Institution, the 

 following courses of lectures have been given to the citizens and visitors 

 of Washington, during the winter of 1860-61, namely : 



Five lectures by Professor F airman Rogers, of the University of 

 Pennsylvania, . on Civil Engineering, Roads and Bridges, and the 

 principles involved in their construction. 



