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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
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nected with the mining industry of the United States and of the world; that there was a number of prominent men very much interested in this line of research, and that it was felt that it could be better carried on under the auspices of some such institution as the Smithsonian than by the Government, especially as it was desirable to make it a purely scientific investigation.

He also spoke of the desirability of making investigations with regard to the reproduction of petroleum by artificial means; and there were still numerous problems connected with the natural oils that required scientific research of a high order.

He particularly called attention to the fact that researches bearing upon the activities of the people and the natural productions, should be carried on from a scientific point of view; also that it was desirable to bring to the notice of the people the fact that the Smithsonian Institution was prepared to take charge of such researches, in accordance with its fundamental purposes - the increasing and diffusing of knowledge among men.

(e) Preservation of National Antiquities.

The Secretary stated that under recent action of the Secretaries of Agriculture, of War and of the Interior, to whom had been delegated by law the authority to issue permits to secure antiquities from the lands under the control of the Government, an agreement had been reached to the effect that all such applications should be referred to the Smithsonian Institution for recommendation.

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