Chapter II: Section 2: And be it further Resolved, that for the purpose

aforesaid, there be appropriated, out of any money in the
treasury not otherwise appropriated, a sum not exceeding five
hundred dollars.

JOHN W. DAVIS,
Speaker of the house of Representatives.

G. M. DALLAS,
Vice President of the U.S. and President of the Senate.

_Approved_, March 4 th, 1846.
JAMES K. POLK.

* * * * *

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE. _From an article in the New-York Review
of September, 1845, by the Hon. Joseph Ingersoll, Senator from
Pennsylvania._

In the beginning of the year 1842, an intercourse was opened
which has been already productive of rich results, and may in the
future confer immense advantages. Dr. Linn, of the United States
Senate, sent to the _School of Mines_, of Paris, a specimen of
oxide of iron taken from the iron mountain of Missouri. It was
done at the request of Mr. Alexandre Vattemare, of that city, who
had not a great while before visited Washington, and communicated
to Dr. Linn, and through him to the "National Institution," the
letter of Mons. Dufresnoy, "Chief Engineer and Director of the
Royal School of Mines." It is declared to be the ornament of
their collections. In the name of the Council of the School he
returns thanks "for this magnificent specimen," which he
pronounces, notwithstanding its almost gigantic dimensions,
(sixty-six millimetres in diameter,) complete in all its parts.
Besides its interest in a mineralogical point of view, he adds
that the present of Mr. Linn is highly esteemed by them, because
it commences the system of exchange which Mr. Vattemare had
sought to establish between all the nations of the new and the
old continents, and which he says alone can secure the completion
of their collections. From the period when this correspondence
took place, Mr. Vattemare seems to have devoted his intelligent
and active mind to this object. He has been the means of
procuring and forwarding to Washington a perpetual supply of
splendid and valuable productions. His countrymen are always on
the march of improvement in the various departments of the
elegant arts. Every description of magnificent engraving has been
communicated. Box after box of books has come from him in
unmeasured profusion. It would be endless to recapitulate the
objects of his friendly contribution. They are referred to
emphatically because they have especially served to set in motion
that system of exchange, without which nothing can be completely
deserving of the name of a collection. That Mr. Vattemare does
not weary in his efforts needed no new proof. As lately as the
9th of June, 1845, he announces that he has received for the
National Institute, from M. Le Brun, Peer of France, Director of
the Royal Printing-office, etc., the complete collection of the
Journal des Savans, from 1816 to 1845, twenty-nine quarto
volumes, bound. "This most interesting and valuable collection,"
he says, "was last year granted to the National Institute at the
request of M. Le Brun, by the Minister of Justice, etc. M. Le
Brun has also sent to me a copy of his works, to be presented to
the Institute as a token of his friendship and good wishes. From
the War department of France, a complete collection of all the
documents and works, illustrated with a great number of maps,
etc., of the French possessions in North Africa, including the
neighboring States, viz., the Empires of Morocco, Tunis, etc.,
published by order and under the superintendence of the Minister
of War--sixteen volumes, folio, quarto, and octavo. From the
Minister of Agriculture and Commerce, twenty-five works on
Agriculture and Commerce. From the Minister of the Interior, a
beautiful collection of _bronze medals_, commemorative of
national events, from 1830 to 1844 inclusive. From M. M.
Flourens, Perpetual Secretary of the Academy of Sciences, Member
of the Académie Française, etc., his last two works. From M. M.
Barre and Danton, sculptors, two beautiful little statues, one of
the late Duc d'Orleans, the other of Miss Adélaide Kemble as
Norma. From M. Picot, Member of the Academy of Fine Arts, etc.,
two fine engravings, taken from two of his pictures. From the
Société Séricicole, (founded in 1838, for the encouragement and
promotion of silk manufacturing in France,) the complete
collection of its annals from its foundation to the present
year--nine volumes, octavo." "All the above works, with many
others, are heaped up, and occupy so much room in my office, that
I can scarcely move about in it, and this number is daily
increasing." One is impressed with mingled feelings of pleasure
and mortification at reading this letter, for while it thus
exhibits a prolific interest in the Institute, it unfolds in the
following paragraph how little is the encouragement or gratitude
for his substantial friendship and zeal:

"It is a matter of great distress to me not to have it in my
power to defray all the expenses of packing, of custom-house
dues, commissions, and transportation from Paris to Washington,
but I really cannot do it. Recollect that since 1839 to the
present time, I have devoted all my time, industry and fortune,
to the exclusive object of establishing an intellectual union
between Europe and America; that _I have never received the
slightest pecuniary assistance from my own country_; and that the
first and only encouragement of that character ever vouchsafed to
me was the amount of _two hundred dollars_, so generously
subscribed last year by the members of the National Institute,
and two hundred and fifty dollars (out of three hundred) voted by
the State of Maine. For the maintenance of an agency in Paris for
national literary interchanges, the State of Massachusetts,
stimulated by an enlightened and patriotic spirit, voted, during
the last session of its Legislature, a like most generous
allocation. Were all her sister States to follow so noble an
example, by voting a small sum, according to their population and
their intellectual wants, a fund might easily be established,
amply sufficient to cover all the expenses incurred in
maintaining an United States scientific and literary agency in
Paris, the benefits of which would be incalculable."

On this vital point (of exchanges) a report was made in February,
1842, by Mr. Markoe, the accomplished and indefatigable
Corresponding Secretary. It exhibits the very great importance of
them, as entering essentially into the plan of every society
constituted like this and having like objects in view, and it
shows that no occasion has been omitted to acquaint societies and
individuals, whose correspondence has been sought or offered,
that a system of general exchanges would be entered upon as soon
as a plan should be matured. Under that assurance, and
independently of it also, (it is added) valuable collections of
various kinds have already been received, which render it
incumbent on the directors to redeem the pledge that has been
given. For this object the members are informed that they have
already in hands the most abundant materials, which were
increasing, and would continue to increase every day.

STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.

Secretary's office. Harisburg Oct. 25th 1844.

To Alexandre Vattemare esq.

Sir,

I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 6th september
last, addressed to the Honorable A. V. Parsons secretary of this
Commonwealth, informing him that in November 1842 and January
1843, you had transmitted to his Excellency David R. Porter for
the library of this State certain valuable books obtained from
the ministers of the several departments of the French
government, and desiring an Acknowledgement of their receipt.

It is a cause of sincere regret that your Kind attention and that
of the heads of the departments of the government of France has
not since received the acknowledgement which it so highly merits.
This has not been owing to an improper appreciation of its value,
but to circumstances which I trust are sufficient to exculpate
the government of this state from the charge of wilful neglect.

The books transmitted in 1842 arrived here at the time that Mr
Persons was about to retire from the office of secretary of
state. They were placed in the state's library and upon my
assuming the duties or the office in february 1843 their receipt
did not come under my observation. Those sent in January et
February 1843 _remained in the custom house_ at New-York until a
short time ago when they were forwarded by the collector of
Customs at Philadelphia, who had received information that they
were remaining in New-York. When these arrived they were
immediatly placed in the state's library, there was not any
letter accompanying them stating by whom they had been forwarded.

I request that you will receive this explanation and if you deem
it necessary, communicate it to the ministers of the departments
of France interested in it. It is desired that the ministers may
not entertain the belief that their attention is improperly
understood by the authorities of this state.

It is hoped that our legislature stimulated by a sense of your
very valuable efforts will adopt measures to reciprocate the
kindness and aid in your laudable exertion to promote the
friendship at present happily existing between the people of
France and those of the United States.

Annexed is a list of the books received from Paris and in the
library of the state.

Agreeable to your request I send herewith letters of
acknowledgement, addressed to the ministers of finances, war,
navy, justice and commerce.

I have the honor to be, with profound regard your obedient
servant.

CHAS. MC CLURE,
_Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania_.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,

In the year one thousand eight Hundred and forty Five.

_Resolves_ to promote mutual literary and scientific exchanges
with foreign countries.

_Resolved_ that the secretary of the commonwealth, under the
direction of his Excellency the Governor, be authorized to
exchange copies of the state map of Massachusetts, not exceeding
twenty in number, and bound copies of the laws and legislative
documents of the commonwealth for the current political year, not
exceeding fifty volumes of each for books and other works of
science and art from foreign countries, to be deposited in the
library of the general Court. And the secretary is hereby
authorized to cause fifty copies of each of the said documents
for every future year to be printed over and above the number to
be bound in volumes and set aside for the purpose of effecting
therefore said exchanges hereafter[2].

_Resolved_ that his Excellency the Governor be authorized to
appoint some suitable person, residing in the city of Paris,
France, to be the agent of the commonwealth, in transmitting to,
and receiving from the secretary's office all such books and
other works of science and art, as may be addressed to his care,
in pursuance of the object of the preceding resolve, and to audit
and allow all reasonable charges of said agent, for the
receiving, packing carriage and exportation of said objects of
exchange; provided, that the total sum so expended, shall not
exceed three hundred dollars.

House of Representatives, February 26, 1845. Passed.
SAML H. WALLEY JR., Speaker.

In Senate, February 27, 1845. Passed.
LEVI LINCOLN, President.

February 27, 1845.
Approved.
GEO. N. BRIGGS.
Secretary's office, March 15, 1845.

A true copy.
Attest.

JOHN G. PALFREY,
Secretary.

[2] According to this resolve 150 volumes of legislative
documents, 13 copies of the geological reports, 52 scientific
reports, 20 maps, have been transmitted.

* * * * *

My dear Sir,

I send you herewith a copy of Resolves passed by our legislature
at its present session.

I have it in charge from his excellence the Governor to say that
he requests you to accept the appointment of agent under the
second of the resolves, and that he has no doubt that this
commonwealth will derive important benefits from your enlightened
and liberal exertions.

I am, dear sir, with the highest regard Your friend and servant,

JOHN G. PALFREY,
Secretary of the commonwealth.

To A. VATTEMARE, Esq.
Paris,
France.

STATE OF VIRGINIA.

Executive Department, Richmond Virginia, August 19, 1845.

Sir,

Your letter of the 28th December last to the Governor of Virginia
has been placed in my hands and will be submitted to the
committee of the Legislature on the state library at its annual
meeting in December next.

This Institution, founded by the state for the use of several
departments of the government comprises the departments of Law,
literature, science and arts. It is under the direction of the
Legislature through a committee of both houses, and possesses the
following works which have been published by the state, and which
are occasionally interchanged with other states, and public
institutions, viz:

The statutes at large being a collection of all the laws of
Virginia from the year 1619 to 1808, in 16 volumes;

Laws of a later date;

Reports of the state convention in 1776;

Journals of the legislature from 1776 to 1790 and from 1831 to
the present time, a map of Virginia published in 1826, and
consequently at this day incomplete, yet probably valuable for
your purpose.

The geological survey of the state has been completed and will
probably be published in the course of another year.

If any of or all these publications would be acceptable to you,
authority will be given for exchanging them upon the terms
indicated in your letter, and I shall be happy to be the organ of
communication in this interchange should you think proper to
transmit any publications equivalent: so far at least as the
before stated collections of the library institution will supply
it.

At any event I shall be gratified by having it in my power to lay
before the committee any communication you may think proper to
address to me.

I am, sir, with high respect, your obedient servant,

WM H. RICHARDSON,
Secretary of the com. of Virginia, and ex officio librarian.

STATE OF NEW-YORK.

_From the Regents of the university of the state, trustees of the
State Library._

Albany, June 21, 1845.

M. ALEX. VATTEMARE,

Dear sir,

I had the honor to receive your letter of the 10th April on the
1st of June and two days since I received the books mentioned in
it. I have replied as directed by the regents to M. the Count de
Salvandy and must ask you to present the letter to him.

The legislature of this state adjourned about the middle of May,
the laws, journals and documents of the two houses which are now
directed by an act passed this session, to be sent to the
government of France (duplicate copy), have not yet come from the
hands of the printers and binders--probably it may be two months,
before they are completed, as indexes are to be compiled for
each; but as soon as I receive them (and it is my duty by law to
forward them), they shall be sent.

Meanwhile I have collected from the various departments a few
publications which I trust may be interesting. They are, as you
are probably aware, not for sale and of course cannot readily be
obtained out of this city. I send parcels for the minsters of
_public instruction_, of _finances_, of _agriculture and
commerce_, of _justice_ and of the _marine_.

There is a law of the state directing the presentation of the
volumes of the natural history of the state of New-York, to
foreign governments and bodies and persons making donations to
the state library. The governor and secretary of state are
charged with this duty. I had an interview with these gentlemen
during the present week and they assured me that they would in a
few weeks at most, give the necessary directions for their
transmission. Of course, a copy will be sent to his majesty and
another to the royal library of France. And I have reason to
suppose that copies will be sent to several of the ministers who
have made donations through you. Certainly, to count de Salvandy.
I have no doubt but every thing will be done in a manneer
acceptable to you[3].

I am extremely happy to learn that you have for us a copy of the
judicial statistics of France. This is a most valuable donation.
That of the Count de Salvandy is a splendid one and will be duly
noticed to the Legislature, when they meet in 1846.

The regents of the University deeply feel their indebtedness to
you for your kindness in forwarding.

I have honour to remain with respect, your truly,

J. ROMEYN BECK,
Secretary.

[3] About two hundred volumes of legislative documents, and 10
copies of the natural History, of New-York, with 10 Geologic
maps, destined to the king, the chamber of peers, the chamber of
deputies, the royal library, the ministers of justice, of public
instructions, of commerce, of finances and to A. Vattemare, were
transmitted.

* * * * *

Mercantile Library Association, Clinton Hall.
New-York, November 24th, 1845.

DEAR SIR,

I am greatly pleased at being able to state that the books for
the city of Paris have at length been forwarded by our city
council through M. Edward Bossange, and I trust they may reach
their destination in safety.

They have been bound in uniform style and form a handsome
collection. The survey of this state, which forms a part of it,
is a fine work. I trust that the delay which has ocurred may
leave no unfavorable impression in the minds of the gentlemen
composing the council of the city of Paris.

I have urged forward the sending as much as proper and M.
Valentine, the clerk of our city council, has taken an active
interest in the matter. All have desired to make the collection
worthy of the distinguished body for whom it is designed, and it
has been found necessary to delay some time until certain books
could be procured not readily met with.

A communication from the mayor of the city accompanies the books.

I have taken the liberty of sending with them two copies of the
catalogue of our library, one for yourself and one for the city
council of Paris, and also a small packet addressed to yourself
containing a number of letters of acknowledgement for the works
you kindly forwarded to our association.

With sentiments of the highest respect I remain,
Your most obedient servant,

H. K. BULL,
Corresponding secretary.

STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.

Brown University, Providence, January, 29th, 1846.

DEAR SIR,

....Your letter to the Governor has been received, presented to
the legislature and referred to the committee on education. The
chairman of the committee, M. Goddard, formerly a professor in
our college, presented a report with resolutions thanking you for
your generous exertions, and particularly for your handsome
presents, and voting several extra copies of all reports and
documents published by the state and authorising the governor to
pay all charges that may occur for the packing up and
transportation of said books and any others to be sent to us from
Paris, through your agency. This was carried through the House
and the senate unanimously and it is I believe the only question
which has been decided unanimously in our legislature for a long
time....

You will probably receive the report and the votes, by this
steamer or the next.

The Rhode Island-Historical Society have also passed votes of
thanks and resolutions in favor of your project which you will
receive soon.

As to the books I shall make up a box and forward it to you as
soon as I can.

I write in great haste at the last moment before closing of the
mail thinking it better to write an unfinished account of the
affairs than to keep you longer in suspense.

I beg your to believe me with the greatest respect, Your obedient
servant,

C. C. JEWETT.

MR. A. VATTEMARE.

COMPARATIVE

_Of the Scientific Exchange between France and America_

SENT FROM FRANCE TO AMERICA.

From His Majesty Louis Philippe I 20 _volumes_.
-- Her Royal Highness Madame Adelaide 5 _medals_.
-- The Chamber of Peers 150 _volumes_.
-- The Chamber of Deputies 200 --
-- His Excellency the Minister of Justice and
Divine Worship 250 --
-- -- -- -- War 50 --
-- -- -- -- -- 60 _maps_.
-- -- -- the Navy and
Colonies 150 _volumes_.
-- -- -- -- 334 _maps_.
-- -- -- Interior 200 _volumes_.
-- -- -- -- 50 _medals_.
-- -- -- Commerce and
Agriculture 259 _volumes_.
-- -- -- Public
Instruction 60 --
-- -- -- Public Works 534 --
-- -- -- -- 33 _maps_.
-- -- -- -- 2 _medals_.
-- -- -- Finances 128 _volumes_.
-- the City of Paris 200 --
-- -- Director General of Customs 69 --
-- -- Royal Library 10 --
-- -- -- -- 36 _engravings_.
-- -- -- -- 40 _maps_.
-- -- -- Academy of Sciences 50 _volumes_.
-- -- -- -- -- Moral and Political
Sciences 12 --
-- -- -- -- -- Medecine 6 --
-- -- -- -- -- Sciences and fine Arts
at Rouen 46 --
-- -- -- Museum of Natural History (specimens of
minerals) 2 _cases_.
-- -- -- And Central Agricultural Society 156 _volumes_.
-- -- -- Geological Society of France 13 --
-- M. Edward Alletz, Consul general at Genoa 18 --
-- the Sericicle Society 27 --
M. Barre, sculptor 2 _statuettes_.
-- M. Bovy 1 _medal_.
-- The Viscount de Cormenin, Deputy 5 _volumes_.
-- M. de Chaucheprat 2 --
-- Lieut. General de Cubières 1 --
-- M. Dantan 1 _statuette_.
-- Count Daru, Peer 10 _volumes_.
-- M. A. Denis, deputy 10 --
-- M. A. Deville, President of the R. A. de Rouen 16 --
-- Baron Charles Dupin, Peer 17 --
-- M. Durat La Salle 3 --
-- M. Duvergier de Hautranne, Deputy 4 --
-- M. Dubufe 1 _engraving_.
-- M. Milne Edwards 4 _volumes_.
-- M. Elie de Baumont 1 --
-- M. Estancelin, Deputy 6 --
-- Faugère 2 --
-- Count de Gasparin, Peer 2 --
-- M. Gayrard 1 _statue_.
-- M. Jubinal 10 _volumes_.
-- Count d'Hauterive, Deputy 10 --
-- Viscount Hericart de Thury 10 --
-- M. Jomard 6 --
-- M. Jal 6 _portraits_.
-- M. Laurentie 10 _volumes_.
-- Count de Las Casas, Deputy 3 --
-- Count Leon de Laborde 12 --
-- M. Le Brun, Peer 4 --
-- M. Ledru-Rollin, Deputy 4 --
-- M. L'Herbette, deputy 25 --
-- Count de Marcellus 1 --
-- M. Guerin Melville 6 --
-- M. Nisard, Deputy 2 --
-- M. D'Orbigny 2 --
-- -- 10 _maps_.
-- M. Hippolyte Passy, Peer 4 _volumes_.
-- The Marquis de Pastoret, Deputy 60 --
-- -- 4 _engravings_.
-- -- 6 _medals_.
-- M. de Remusat, Deputy 2 _volumes_.
-- Baron de Schauenburg, Deputy 4 --
-- M. Amedee Thierry 6 --
-- M. Thomas 6 --
-- M. Ravaisson 2 --
-- M. Alexandre Vattemarre 16 --
-- M. Vitet, Deputy 5 --
-- M. Champollon Figeac 6 --
-- M. Faustin Hélie 2 --
-- M. Michel Chevalier, Deputy 2 --
-- M. Wolowski --
================
3,488 _objects_.
================

RECAPITULATION.

Volumes. 2,894
Maps. 477
Engravings. 48
Pieces of Sculpture. 3
Medals. 64
Cases of Minerals. 2

TABLE

_From February_ 1845, _to May_ 15th, 1846.

SENT FROM AMERICA TO FRANCE.

From the Federal Government (War Department) 15 _volumes_.
-- -- -- 12 _maps_.
-- -- National Institute, Washington 25 _volumes_.
-- -- Legislature of the State of Maine 94 --
-- -- -- 3 _maps_.
-- -- -- 1 _herbal_.
-- -- -- (specimens of minerals) 4 _cases_.
-- -- -- Massachusetts 195 _volumes_.
-- -- -- -- 20 _maps_.
-- -- Hon. John G. Palfrey 23 _volumes_.
-- -- Mercantile Library Ass'n 1 --
-- -- Hon. Josiah Quincy 2 --
-- M. Bowen 20 --
-- M. B. P. Poore 10 --
-- the Legislature of the State of New-York 200 --
-- -- -- -- 10 _maps_.
-- -- Corporation of the City of New-York 18 _volumes_.
-- -- -- -- 2 _maps_.
-- -- N. Y. Mercantile Library association 2 _volumes_.
-- -- Corporation of the city of Baltimore 16 --
-- -- -- -- 3 _maps_.
-- -- Brantz Mayer, Esq 1 _volume_.
-- -- Legislature of the State of Indiana 512 --
-- -- Hon. Henry Ledyard, Esq., of Michigan 1 _maps_.
-- -- Professer James C. Cross, of Kentucky 1 _volume_.
-- -- Government of Texas 10 --
-- -- Hon. Ashbel Smith 3 --
-- -- Prof. S. F. B. Morse of New-York 1 --
-- M. Alfred Vail of Philadelphia 1 --
-- M. Hermann E. Ludwig of New-York 1 --
-- M. Vauzand 10 --

(I do not mention books which I have been
officially informed, are on their way here from
Congress, and the states of Maine, Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, Virginia, Michigan, Illinois,
Indiana, etc., in accordance with recent laws and
resolutions, as the number of volumes is in no
instance given.)

From the Government of Canada 60 _volumes_.
=================
1,267 _objects_.
=================

RECAPITULATION.

1,211 Volumes.
51 Maps.
4 Cases of Minerals.
1 Herbal.

Making a total amount of 4,749 objects exchanged through the
Agency in the course of the past sixteen months between France
and North America.--The Hon. _Secretary of war_, the states of
_Maine_, _Massachusetts_, _New-York_, and _Indiana_ with the
cities of _Baltimore_ and _New-York_, being the only respondents
to my call, by transmitting important works and voting generous
allocations to pay the necessory expenses. From these facts, all
can see what the operations of the scheme have been, and judge
what important results may be confidently relied upon, if the
other states, corporations and institutions of the flourishing
and happy Republic would but enter fully and seriously in this
peaceful _Intellectual Union_ of the two Hemispheres.

ALEXANDRE VATTEMARE.

NOTA. It may perhaps be well to mention that the greater part of
the books I have received here for the United States have been
merely stitched, be cause no appropriations are made for binding
public documents. The usefulness of the scheme of international
exchanges is however becoming so apparent, that I hope generous
appropriations will be made this year to enable several
ministerial departments and the chambers to have their documents
which are destined for exchange, properly bound and lettered. I
would also express an hope that means may be provided to enable
me to publish a quarterly account of the movements of the scheme,
giving all the transactions effected, and also serving as an
organ announcing all the superfluities of intellectual riches
possessed by different countries and the Legislative, scientific
and useful works published by their governments and scientific
bodies, which could only be procured by exchange. Such a
publication would be, and I may say is the only means of securing
the permanency of the system of exchanges, and remove the
apprehensions of those who see its existence limited by the
perseverance of my efforts.

INSTRUCTIONS

ON THE BEST MODE OF

COLLECTING, PRESERVING AND TRANSPORTING

OBJECTS OF

NATURAL HISTORY.

It is the actual state of our collections and of our Knowledge of Natural History of which we are about to speak. But as this memoir, though specially destined for our Museum and for our countrymen, may be consulted by foreign naturalists for the sake of our collections as well as for their own, we would invite the attention of collectors to any point that may seem defective or capable of improvement, and we invite all travellers to make known to us the results of their experience that we, and the whole learned world, may profit by them.

It is not simply a series of instructions which we make here, it is an appeal to all who interest themselves in the cause of science and of their country. We will point out to them the means of enriching this great national establishment, which, open to public curiosity and study, can only be rendered perfect by the aid of many hands. It cannot itself support travellers except upon a few limited points, and even there, such is the inexhaustible fecundity of nature, much remains to be done.

As for amateurs, who can give but few moments to the study of Natural History, who have not hitherto occupied themselves with it, but who have, notwithstanding the desire to render their sojourn in certain points little explored, profitable to our object, we have thought that instead of collecting a great number of objects, they would do well to limit themselves to such as are signalized as curious and indicated in the list of our _desirata_. They could thus economise time, and employ it more usefully, not only in collecting the objects which we recommend but also in bestowing upon them that care which would insure their preservation.

These instructions are devided naturally into three chapters, corresponding to the three kingdoms of nature; each part has been prepared by such of the professors as it especially concerns.

The instructions will make known:

1º The manner of collecting and preparing objects of Natural History.

2º The choice and form of the notes which should accompany them.

3º An indication of those which are more particulary wished for.

It remains for us before proceeding to the special details of this memoir, to give general instructions upon the packing of objects of Nat. His. and upon the modes proper to be employed to prevent any damage to them during their voyage.

As soon as the objects prepared as before directed, have been placed in case these cases must be closed in the best possible manner and covered with pitch or tar on their whole surface; so that neither air nor moisture can penetrate.

After this, they must be envelopped in oil cloth, and then put on board ship in such place as will be likely not to be disturbed till their arrival, and as far from the heat and vermin as possible.

Glass bottles should be packed in wooden boxes well filled with tow and sea-weed; and arranged so that they will run no risk of breaking; objects which may be spoiled by liquids in the glass bottles, should they happen to break, should not be placed with them.

When a package has been sent, information should be given directly with the statement of the number and weight of the boxes, of the ship by which they are sent, the time of sailing, and the port to which they are bound. These statements should be made in time so that boxes may be sealed at the Custom House and not be opened until they arrive at Paris.

It is evident that if living animals or vegetables are sent, the time necessary for the voyage should be calculated and the speediest and safest conveyance chosen.