LECTURES. 141 



some furtlier criticism about its contents, by wliicli tlie examiner 

 might be guided in his researches. 



To procure space for these remarks and notes, we propose to paste 

 each of our maps on a broad sheet of strong paper, which woukl leave 

 a margin on both sides, where we could fasten narrow slips, on which 

 the short explanatory notes here spoken of might be introduced. In 

 addition to the original title of the map, they might contain brief ob- 

 servations on its author, some remarks on its value and principal con- 

 tents, the position which it occupies in the whole series, what addi- 

 tions and improvements it contains, &c., &c. 



The slips on which these notes are to be written should be of white 

 paper, like the map itself. But we should prefer, for different 

 reasons, to paste the slips, as well as the map, on paper of a grayish 

 color. First, the contrast of the vacant and neutral-tinted margin 

 with the strikingly white maps and notes attracts the eye at once to 

 the principal things on the exhibited sheet. Then the grayish color 

 is not so subject to be spoiled by frequent use. Moreover, in this 

 way we bring our maps as nearly as possible, and as far as the 

 necessary considerations of space will allow, to the exterior appear- 

 ance of pictures. There will thus be presented a somewhat at- 

 tractive variety of colors ; not glittering, and strongly contrasted, 

 but suitable to the serious character of the collection. Nor should 

 this consideration be deemed unworthy of attention. The study of 

 the old maps has been neglected in some measure from their want of 

 attractiveness of appearance. To engage attention anew, then, we 

 should call to our aid such modest embellishment as taste and the 

 nature of the object will allow. 



XVIV. — REVIEAY OF UNDERTAKINGS SIMILAR TO THAT PROPOSED HERE, AND 



CONCLUDING REMARKS. 



Similar propositions to that which we have here laid before the 

 reader have already been made, and similar projects have been, at 

 least to a certain extent, realized, at different times. 



We may regard as the very first of these attempts the collection of 

 American maps and reports, so frequently alluded to, which Ferdi- 

 nand, King of Spain, established at Seville. Had this institution 

 continued to be conducted in the way in which it was commenced by 

 its judicious founder, had all the American maps and sketches from 

 actual survey been deposited and preserved there as in the beginning, 

 it would now comprise the most valuable collection of American 

 chartography extant. 



In the year 1713 the excellent and well known Bishop White Ken- 

 net made to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign 

 Parts a proposition which in many respects resembles our own. In 

 the introduction to his excellent catalogue of American books and 

 pamphlets^ entitled " An Attempt towards laying the Foundation ot 

 an American Library," he propounds his plan so clearly that I cannot 

 refrain from speaking of it a little more fully. 



Like myself, the worthy bishop made for his own use a little collec- 



