1852.] , 197 



expand the limits of human knowledge ia any of its branches. While asking 

 Congress to augment the means of instructing young men for dififerent depart- 

 ments of the naval service, he pleads the cause of science in a manner worthy 

 of that enlightened judgment which should characterise all who participate in 

 the direction of nautical affairs. He announces that expeditions to Japan, to 

 the China Seas, to Africa, to the interior of South America, to the Pacific 

 Ocean, and to the Arctic regions, are in progress, or about departing to seek 

 and peacefully open new fields of enterprise ; and while he incites the spirit of 

 hardy adventure, he encourages, to the extent of the means in his power, care- 

 ful observation and scientific investigation of natural phenomena. He advocates 

 explorations which promise results beneficial to the agricultural, commercial 

 and manufacturing industries of the country ; and for motives apparently ana- 

 logous to those which animate the members of this institution. Therefore, 



Resolved, That the Corresponding Secretary be directed to address a letter to 

 the Hon. John P. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy, expressive of the gratifica- 

 tion the Society derives from the disposition he manifests to encourage men 

 engaged in the cultivation of science ; a disposition more especially exhibited 

 in the permission given to our fellow member, Dr. E. K. Kane, of the Navy, to 

 undertake the direction and management of an expedition to the north polar 

 regions, to ascertain the fate of Sir John Franklin ; an enterprise sustained by 

 the intelligent munificence of Henry Grinnell, Esq., and a few other American 

 gentlemen. 



Resolved, That science does not limit its benefits and influence to any class 

 or caste of men ; being open and free to all alike, it is republican and democratic 

 in its tendency ; and therefore, the members of the Academy of Natural 

 Sciences of Philadelphia may hope that the National Legislature will foster the 

 several expeditions embracing scientific research, by granting such seasonable 

 supplies and substantial encouragement as may be worthy of the most powerful 

 and wealthy republic on the face of the earth. 



Resolved, That the Corresponding Secretary is hereby instructed to furnish a 

 copy of these resolutions to the President of the Senate of the United States, 

 and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for the information of 

 Congress, and also to the Secretary of the Navy. 



On leave, granted, Mr. Cassin, from the Committee on Dr. Heer- 

 mann's paper, entitled ^^ Notices of Birds observed in California,'^ 

 reported in favor of publication in the Journal of the Academy, which 

 was adopted. 



December 2\st. 

 Vice President Bridges in the Chair. 



Mr. Cassin presented a paper by P. R. Hoy, M. D., of Racine, Wis- 

 consin, intended for publication in the Proceedings, describing two 

 species of Owls, presumed to be new, inhabiting the State of Wisconsin 

 during the winter season. Referred to Mr. Cassin, Prof. Haldeman 

 and Dr. Heennann. 



Mr. Conrad presented a paper intended for publication in the Pro- 

 ceedings, entitled, " Notes on Shells, and descriptions of new species.'' 

 Referred to Dr. Ruschenberger, Dr. Le Conte and Prof. Haldeman. 



Dr. Hullowell presented a paper, intended for publication in the 

 Proceediuiis, " On a new genus and two new species of African 



31 



