192 proceedings: botanical society 



But it was not until he received authority to launch the Lewis and 

 Clark expedition that he was able to achieve his object. He planned 

 the expedition with the greatest of care, appointed chief officers, gave 

 them very detailed instructions concerning what they should attempt 

 to do, and after the return of the expedition was finally successful in 

 getting the results collected for publication. After his retirement to 

 Monticello he maintained an active correspondence with many bota- 

 nists and other scientists on the important scientific questions then 

 under consideration. In his old age he was the means of securing the 

 appropriation making possible the University of Virginia. He was 

 made head of the institution, planned its buildings, supervised their 

 construction, chose the faculty, and determined the policy of this 

 great state institution. It seems clear that, notwithstanding the promi- 

 nent position which Jefferson attained in the political life of his country, 

 he was also an important figure in the American scientific world of his 

 time. 



Willtam E. Safford, Corresponding Secretary. 



