22 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OP 



many others, however, are presented, which will tend to modify the 

 opinions entertained of the superficial deposits of the glohe. 



The second paper is on tlie erosions of the surface of the earth, espe- 

 cially hy rivers. Of this phenomenon numerous examples are given, 

 and those described minutely which have fallen under the author's 

 own observations. Some of the conclusions to which he has been con- 

 ducted are new and unexpected. He has, for instance, pointed out 

 several traces of old river-beds, now filled up and abandoned, through 

 which, in his opinion, tlie streams ran on a former continent. 



The third paper would appear to establish the fact that glaciers 

 once existed on some of the mountains of New England, in distinction 

 from the drift agency, which he regards as chiefly the result of ice- 

 bergs and oceanic currents. This paper is accompanied by a map of 

 the ancient glaciers, so that geologists can examine for themselves the 

 data from which the deductions are made. 



These investigations, says the author, "are an humble attempt to 

 penetrate a little distance into the obscurities of surface geology, and 

 to exhibit changes which seem to have been moi'e overlooked than 

 any other which the earth has undergone." Whatever may be the 

 opinions entertained of the conclusions of the author, the facts which 

 he has collected must ever be of importance. 



On account of the colored maps which are necessary to illustrate 

 these papers, their expense will be considerable, and we shall be 

 obliged, perhaps, to defer their publication until towards the close of 

 the i)resent year. 



It is a subject of congratulation, and an evidence of the advance of 

 liberal sentiments in regard to the importance of abstract science in 

 our country, that within the last few years liberal donations have 

 been made for the publication of original research and the j*rrmotiou 

 of original scientific investigations. In addition to the i^lOO.OOO be- 

 queathed some years since to the Harvard Observatory, the same 

 establishment has lately received from the Hon. Josiah Quincy the 

 sum of |10,000 for the publication of its observations ; and $10,000 

 has been bequeathed by Mr. Appleton for the publication of original 

 memoirs in the Transactions of the American Academy. A M^ealthy 

 lady of the city of Albany has just reared a monument to the memory 

 of her husband in the establishment of an observatory, which, we 

 trust, will be more enduring than any merely material edifice, how- 

 ever permanent and unalterable may be its character. Discoveries 

 will undoubtedly be made by means of this enlightened bequest, which 

 will indelibly associate the name of Dudley with the future history of 

 astronomy. The love of posthumous fame is a natural and laudable de- 

 sire of the human mind. It is an instinct, as it were, of immortality, 

 which should be fostered and kept alive by example as one of the most 

 powerful inducements to enlightened benevolence. x\nd what prouder 

 monument could be coveted than that which shall associate a name 

 with the discovery of truths, the knowledge of which will be as widely 

 extended and as continuous in duration as civilization itself? Smith- 

 son was ambitious of this distinction, and has presented with rare 

 sagacity, to all who have the means of gratifying the same feeling, a 



