332 



Mr. Sprague read a third letter from Mr. E. Samuels, 

 giving a list of specimens of animals and plants which 

 he had collected for the Society, in California. 



Prof. Wm. B. Rogers offered a preamble to the resolu- 

 tions adopted at the last meeting, relative to the Naval 

 Board, which was read and adopted. 



On motion of Dr. C. T. Jackson, it was voted that the 

 preamble and resolutions, as a memorial to Congress, be 

 placed in the hands of one of the Senators from Massa- 

 chusetts. 



The Preamble and Resolutions are as follows : — 



The Boston Society of Natural History, feeling a deep con- 

 cern in all measures of the General Government which have a 

 bearing upon the interests of science, and the reputation of its 

 cultivators, — anxious to testify to the public authorities their high 

 estimation of the services of those officers of the navy who of 

 late years have been charged with important scientific duties, — 

 and desirous of seeing established, in connection with the naval 

 marine, some permanent organization by which the scientific 

 labors of its officers may be duly recognized and rewarded, have 

 adopted the following resolutions, which they beg most respect- 

 fully to submit. 



Resolved, — That the researches of Lieut. M. F. Maury, on the 

 subject of atmospheric and oceanic currents, and other kindred 

 phenomena, being of great value to the mercantile as well as the 

 naval marine of the world, entitle him to the respect and grati- 

 tude of all who honor science or appreciate its application to 

 practical results. 



Resolved,— That Lieut. J. M. Gilliss, by his successful dis- 

 charge of various public duties of a scientific nature, and especially 

 by his valuable astronomical observations in the late expedition 

 to Chili, is entitled to the high consideration usually accorded to 

 those who successfully devote themselves to such pursuits. 



Resolved^ — That we regard the encouragement of a taste for 

 science in our naval service as an important means, not only of 

 elevating its intellectual character, but of increasing its useful- 

 ness in time of peace, and its efficiency in war; and that any 



