38 EEPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



mens would be enhanced by the addition for comparison of corre- 

 sponding specimens from other parts of the world ; but the full 

 adoption of this extension of the plan would involve the maintenance 

 of a general museum, which, as has been repeatedly stated, is incom- 

 patible with the means and design of the Institution. 



The only museum at present in this countiy, expressly established 

 for the threefold object of popular instruction, systematic study, and 

 original research, is that at Cambridge, under the direction of Prof. 

 Agassiz. For the purposes of such a museum specimens of all kinds, 

 from every part of the earth, are necessary, and in accordance with 

 the liberal policy by which it has always been governed, the Smith- 

 sonian Institution has actively co-operated in assisting this exemplary' 

 enterprise of the State of Massachusetts. 



During the past year the type specimens of a number of series of 

 collections, of which the duplicates have been separated for distribu- 

 tion, have been transferred to the museum. The work of labelling the 

 specimens, so that the common as well as the scientific name of each 

 article may be distinctly exhibited, has been continued, and will pro- 

 bably be completed before the end of the present } 7 ear. But for an 

 account in detail of what has been done in regard to the museum 

 and the collections, I must refer to the report of Prof. Baird, here- 

 with submitted. 



As a matter of interest, and, in some cases, of importance, a 

 record book is kept at the principal entrance of the building, in 

 which the names of all the visitors are entered. Since the date of 

 the last report the Institution has been visited by thousands of 

 persons, who have been called by business or pleasure to the national 

 capital. The specimens of natural history and ethnology have ex- 

 cited much popular interest, particularly among those who come 

 from the more distant western portions of the country. The museum 

 and grounds are a favorite resort for the convalescent soldiers. 

 The trees and shrubbery of the latter are growing finely, and the 

 whole park, under the care of the Commissioner of Public Build- 

 ings, B. B. French, Esq., forms no unworthy memento of the tal- 

 ents of the lamented Downing, by whom its plan was designed. 



I am sorry, in this connection, to consider it my duty to refer to the' 

 existence of an evil over which, though you have no official control, 

 yet as legislators and prominent citizens you may exert a beneficial 

 influence. I allude to the city canal, which forms the boundary of 

 the Smithsonian grounds on the north. The basin or widest part of 



