340 BULLETIN 10L>, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



Other iufluences lu operation wliicli, tliongh tliey can not ms'tsriaily affect the work 

 at present, will nevertheless subvert much of the good results. Instead of any 

 endeavor being made to enlist those engaged in the work, in its permanent, 

 constant and futui-e advancement, and in the perfection of a collection which 

 must ever remain the standard one for the countiy, the expressions are "How 

 scon can we get rid of you and why e;'.n you not complete the work in one 

 3'ear as well as a longer time?" The interest which one feels is alienated by 

 such a course, and the constant annoyance from petty remarks, joined with 

 a conviction that as soon as possible we shall be dismissed from the work, 

 renders the instinct of self-preservation active in devising ways of accomplish- 

 ing its objects and in providing against future contingencies. 



In (»rder to accomplish such a work, your scientific men should be left per- 

 fectly quiet, and every facility afforded for their progress. If their ov/n interest 

 in the subject, and a proper regard for their scientific reputation will not 

 induce them to progress with the work as rapidly as is consistent with its 

 perfection or utility, rest assured that no other measures, however annoying 

 or harassing they mny be, will ever effect the objects. 



Of course, I must adnn't that those persons who have the direction of these 

 collections know what objects are desirable to be atta'ned nnd will take the 

 proper measures to accomplish the end. But I must call your attention to the 

 condition of the several sciences embraced in this work. The sciences of 

 zoology and botany are in a state of such advancement that there appears 

 little room for new discoveries or great progress except in organic analysis, 

 which is the province of chemistry. On the other hand, in geology embracing 

 both mineralogy and paleontology, there is f;:r more room for discovery and 

 much research is yet required — on the one hand, among the metamorphic 

 rocks, and the changes which all strata undergo by subsequent influence, and 

 on the other hand, the problem of the development and the successive appear- 

 ance of races on our planet — are subjects in which the deepest interest is felt, 

 and concerning which comparatively little is j^et known. 



Without going into further detail, I wish to show you the necessary conse- 

 Quences of alienating the feelings and interest of those persons engaged in the 

 perfection of a work like that already commenced. The moment that the per- 

 sons who have been engaged in this work shall cease their connection with it, 

 and the charge of it go into the hands of curators knowing little of the progress 

 of the work and of what has been done or yet remains to be accomplished, 

 your collection becomes, if I may use the expression, a dead one. It will no 

 longer possess the interest it now does, for it will cease to advance, and in 

 censing to advance other collections and other individuals will soon be in ad- 

 vance of you. I need not go into detail of all the reasons and facts to convince 

 you of this. Let me cite a single case. While Professor Agassiz remained at 

 Keufchatel, every eye was directed there to learn from him as the master what 

 were the laws, the facts, and the results in most departments of zoology; the 

 collections of Neufchatel bore the stamp of authority, and the place, though 

 comparatively an obscure one, was the center of advancement in science. 

 Professor Agassiz is no longer at Neufchatel but at Harvard University, and 

 where now does the world look for the advancing of natural history and the 

 promulgation of laws before unknown? Not to Neufchatel, but to Harvard 

 University, where science is to take the lead of the world. 



Now, sir, New York has made progress in all the sciences, but in geology 

 she stands preeminent and her localities will be classic ground for centuriea 

 to come, but the scepter may depart and I say unhesitatingly that the 



