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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION   1393

the Bureau of the Budget for clearance, a proposal for the first steps in the authorization of a building for the Smithsonian Institution to be known as the Museum of History and Technology.

It was reported that the Series Publishers, Inc., distributors of the Smithsonian Scientific Series, whose contract terminated at the end of 1953, had complied with the terms of the agreement and that this matter had now been concluded.

It was reported that without asking permission from the Smithsonian Institution, the Crown Publishing Company announced republication of the Smithsonian's North American Wild Flower plates by Mrs. Mary Vaux Walcott. These plates were not copyrighted. By taking legal steps, nominal royalties and other concessions were secured from the Crown Publishing Company.

The present problem of the National Air Museum of the Smithsonian Institution was described. On March 17, 1950, the then Secretary reported plans for a proposed National Air Museum Building estimated to cost $41,500,000. This year, after consultation with members of the Advisory Board to the National Air Museum, the Aircraft Industries Association of America, and the Air Transport Association of America were asked to make a contribution of $12,500 each to allow a further informal preliminary study of a more modest Air Museum. These sums were generously contributed. Progress is now being made on a plan for a satisfactory museum which will require a more modest financial outlay.

It was pointed out that Barro Colorado Island was transferred by Congress to the Smithsonian Institution in 1946. Congress never has approved more than a nominal amount for its support; the allotment from the present appropriation being $7,000. Current plans for approaches to foundations for the financial support of Barro Colorado Island were reviewed. Congressman Vorys and others commented on the importance of the work of this unique tropical research station.