16 EEPOET OF THE SECEETAEY. 



its enlightened founder — the increase and diffusion of knowledge 

 among men. 



Publications. — The thirteenth volume of the Smithsonian Contribu- 

 tions is partly completed, but, on account of the unsettled condition 

 of the times, it was thought prudent to delay the printing of several 

 expensive papers until the beginning of the present year. It will be 

 seen, however, in the course of this report, that the whole number of 

 pages of printed matter which has been issued, or is now ready to be 

 issued by the Institution, equals that of any previous year. 



The first paper which has been printed for the thirteenth volume 

 is the concluding part of the results of the discussion of the observa- 

 tions of Dr. Kane, fully described in the last report. On the com- 

 pletion of this series of papers, a number of full sets of the several 

 parts have been bound, with a general title page, into a separate 

 volume, which is intended for distribution to astronomical and 

 meteorological societies to which the contributions in full are not 

 presented. 



Another series of papers, partly printed, gives a full discussion of 

 all the meteorological observations made during the voyage of Sir 

 F. L. McClintock, in search of Sir John Franklin, in the English 

 steamer Fox, from the 1st of July, 1857, to September, 1859. 



The records of these observations were presented by the com- 

 mander of the expedition to the Institution for discussion and publi- 

 cation, in accordance with the plan adopted for those of Dr. Kane; 

 and since they relate to the meteorology of this continent, and are 

 the results of a private expedition, it was thought entirely consistent 

 with the policy of the Institution to discuss and publish them at 

 the expense of the Smithsonian fund. It would be of great in- 

 terest to science, and particularly to the meteorology of this country, 

 if all the observations which have been made in the Arctic regions 

 were reduced and discussed on a uniform plan, like that adopted in 

 regard to the observations of Dr. Kane. A correspondence has been 

 commenced with the proper authorities in England in regard to the 

 importance of such a work, offering the'co-operation of the Institution 

 in carrying it into execution. 



In regard to the history of the observations made during the voyage 

 of the "Fox," the following facts may be stated: 



The last expedition of the British government in search of Sir John 

 Franklin returned in 1854, without doing more than confirming what 



