EEPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 61 



before the plan of organization was generally understood, special 

 care was taken to invite as lecturers men of prominence in the line 

 of literature that they might have an opportunity to become familiar 

 with the plan adopted, and in this way many prejudices were- re- 

 moved and much information diffused as to the character of the es- 

 tablishment. 



The lectures were commenced before the building was erected, the 

 first course being in 1847, by the Rev. Dr. Scoresby, of England, on 

 the construction and use of the large telescope of Earl Rosse, and 

 have been continued every winter up to the present time. Until 

 within the last four years they were well attended, and no doubt 

 produced a beneficial effect ; but since the commencement of the war 

 and the introduction into the city of a large number of sources of 

 amusement, the audience has fallen off, or has been composed in a 

 large degree of persons seeking amusement rather than information^ 

 The most important result produced by the lectures is that derived 

 from their publication. 



Nothing definite can be said at present as to the financial arrange- 

 ments for the repair of the building. The subject is still before Con- 

 gress, and although the idea has been confidently entertained that an 

 appropriation would be made for the purpose, yet from the discussion 

 which took place in the meeting of the joint committee of the two 

 Houses appointed to consider this matter, I do not think a resolution 

 authorizing such an appropriation will be adopted. In view of the 

 impression produced by this discussion, at which I was invited to be 

 present, I suggested to the committee that if the members would 

 agree to recommend an appropriation to pay the back premium on 

 coin for the last four years' interest on the Smithsonian fund, and in 

 the event of the success of the recommendation, I thought the Regents 

 would have it in their power to finish the repairs by means of the 

 extra fund which has been accumulated. 

 Respectfully submitted, 



JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary. 



Washington, 1865. 



