EEPOKT OF THE SECRETARY. 23 



classification and arrangement of the higher divisions of birds, and 

 such as has been adopted in the museum of the Smithsonian Institu- 

 tion; prize questions proposed by various scientific societies in 

 Europe; and an article on the metric system of weights and measures, 

 with tables intended especially for the use of teachers and authors of 

 arithmetics, prepared for the Institution by Professor H. A. Newton. 



The translations are from French, German, and Italian scientific 

 publications, not generally accessible to readers in this country, and 

 most of them have been made by C. A. Alexander, esq., of this city, 

 who has devoted much of his time, almost gratuitously, foi a number 

 of years, to this part of the literary work of the Institution. 



We have found from experience that to obtain proper scientific 

 translations is a very difficult matter. It is rare to find an individual 

 having so critical a knowledge of languages, united with other requi- 

 site qualifications, as to render with fidelity and spirit such discursive 

 popular explanations as are conveyed in the articles in the appendix 

 „to the Eeport for 1866 on the Senses. In this respect Mr. Alexan- 

 der has evinced much ability. The meaning of the original is not 

 only rendered with great accuracy, but with reference to peculiari- 

 ties of expression on the part of the authors, and with a critical re- 

 gard to the precision and correctness of the English. 



It is proper to mention in this connection that we are indebted to 

 the Superintendent of Public Printing for greater facilities than usual 

 in the publication of the report, which, on account of the character 

 of the articles, and their translation from foreign languages, requires 

 more than ordinary time and care in revision. 



Meteorology . — The system of meteorological observations inaugu- 

 rated by the Institution, which was much interrupted by the war, is 

 gradually being re-established, and as soon as the expenses for the 

 restoration of the building are diminished we hope to carry it on more 

 efficiently on an improved basis. The meteorological system under 

 the direction of the Surgeon General is also in process of reorgani- 

 zation, and as soon as the military posts are permanently established it 

 will be recommenced with improved instruments, and in harmonious 

 relations with that of the Institution. 



The following is an exhibit of the number of observers during 1866, 

 as derived from the list given in the appendix : British America, 6;' 

 Mexico, 1 ; Central America, 3 ; Bermuda, 1 ; Alabama, 5 ; Arkansas, 

 2; California, 4; Colorado, 1 ; Connecticut, 5 ; Delaware, 1 ; Florida, 

 4; Georgia, 1; Illinois, 32; Indiana, 12; Iowa, 28; Kansas, 9; Kentucky, 

 5; Maine, 11: Maryland, 6; Massachusetts, 17; Michigan, 13; Minne- 



