ON THE PROGRESS OF SCIEXCE. 9 



commencing on the 13th of September. Count de Peyronnet, of the Acad- 

 emy of Bordeaux, was elected President of the meeting. 



A new Geological Institute has been formed during the past year at 

 Vienna, the principal object of which will be, the production of a series of 

 geological maps of the Austrian dominions : the whole of which gigantic 

 undertaking may be completed, it is to be hoped, within thirty years, 

 beginning] with Austria proper, and proceeding gradually to the Italian, 

 Hungarian, and Bohemian dominions. The institution is under the direc- 

 tion of Prof. Haidinger. 



A circular has been issued by several of the prominent geologists of our 

 country, proposing the organization of an Association of American geolo- 

 gists, somewhat on the plan of the Geological Societies of England and 

 France. It is not intended, that the members of the society should sever 

 their connection with the American Association, but it is thought, that by 

 means of meetings or sittings of the Society, or of its Committees, to be 

 held at regular and irregular intervals, to be fixed by the Association, and 

 at places where interesting and disputed questions arise, or even of ambu- 

 latory character, in the field, quicker and surer results would be arrived at ; 

 and the conclusions would be more satisfactory at home, as well as more 

 respected abroad. 



A National Agricultural Society composed of delegates from the different 

 States and Territories, has been formed at "Washington, during the past 

 year. Marshall P. Wilder, of Massachusetts, has been elected President, 

 with a Vice President from each State. 



The French Government have recently instituted a General Horticultural 

 Society for all France, which is to consist of titular and honorary members , 

 and of an unlimited number of foreign correspondents. It is to occupy 

 itself with all matters connected with horticultural science ; to publish a 

 monthly volume of " annals" thereon ; to give prizes for elementary works ; 

 and to grant certificates of horticultural merit. 



A most noble and princely donation to the cause of science and art has 

 been made by Mr. Peter Cooper, of New York. The plan proposed is 

 essentially educational in its features, and has in view the moral and intel- 

 lectual elevation of the youth of the city of New York. - A large building 

 is now erecting in New York as the nucleus of the institution, the cost of 

 which, together with the land will amount to $300,000 ; the building is to 

 contain a " sculpture and picture gallery, exhibition hall, library, lecture- 

 room and observatory. Books, apparatus, instructors, &c , are to be provided, 

 and it is intended that the institution shall enjoy an annual income of 

 $25,000." 



Among the other donations made in behalf of Science in the United 

 States during the past year, we would mention the following : George 



