16 TRANS. ST. LOUIS ACAD. SCIENCE. 



demy impressed itself strongly upon his mind, and brightened up 

 or darkened his ideas of its prospects. As he was not endowed 

 with the remarkable gift of some peculiarly talented persons, wha 

 understand how to direct successfully the munificence of wealthy 

 people to such institutions or problems as they are particularly 

 interested in, he tried to use his influence upon the members ta 

 further his cherished projects, and he pleads to them in his mes- 

 sage of January, 1880: 



"Does the large, wealthy and progressive city of St. Louis con- 

 tain appreciation of scientific pursuits and necessities, combined 

 with public spirit, enough to raise such a comparatively small 

 sum? It is believed that the first $25,000 necessary for the pur- 

 chase of the property is almost ready, but that it has been sub- 

 scribetl conditionally only, and will not be available unless the 

 second equal and absolutely necessary sum can be brought to- 

 gether." "Every day's experience shows how intimatel3' science 

 is connected with practical life, and how necessary one is to the 

 other. In the New England States this has long since led to 

 great results. Quite lately the great commercial metropolis of 

 our Atlantic border has awakened to the sanie conviction, and 

 while years ago New Yorkers almost ignored the obscure exist- 

 ence of their New York Lyceum, they have at present one of the 

 best endowed and splendid institutions of Natural History, fos- 

 tered both by City and State in the most liberal manner. Can 

 not, will not the commercial metropolis of the Mississippi Valley 

 imitate such a noble example?" 



His entreaties were made in vain, and his arguments did not 

 induce the capitalists of the city to provide for the endowment 

 " necessary to carry on our institution, keep our library and mu- 

 seum in proper condition, and pay for the running expenses of 

 curator, janitor, light and fuel." It was well known among his 

 intimate friends that he intended to contribute himself by far the 



