D90 LETTERS ON PROGRAMME OF ORGANIZATION. 



the Smithsonian Institution might undertake to do this, in 

 a monthly or quarterly bulletin. 



We will cheerfully co-operate in the astronomical depart- 

 ment (now under the charge of Prof. L. C. Garland) by 

 observing as many occultations as circumstances permit. 



As respects a meteorological journal, or a series of obser- 

 vations in that department, our officers are collecting and 

 repairing the few imperfect instruments we have, and are 

 willing to do all they can. But they apprehend that, with- 

 out more perfect means at their command, they will not be 

 able to do enough to serve the purposes of scientific induc- 

 tion. 



From Joseph Estabrook. 



East Tennessee University, 

 Knoxville, Tenn., February 9, 1849. 



At a special meeting of the Faculty of East Tennessee 

 University, held 9th February, 1849, the President pre- 

 sented the " Programme of Organization of the Smithso- 

 nian Institution, accompanied by a circular of the Secretary 

 and Assistant Secretary, asking his views in relation thereto, 

 and requesting his co-operation in cases where it may be 

 required. 



The President expressed his desire that the Faculty would 

 consider this part of the circular as addressed to them col- 

 lectively, rather than to himself individually ; whereupon it 

 was — 



Resolved, That the Faculty take a lively interest in the 

 operations of the Smithsonian Institution ; that they have 

 carefully examined the Programme put forth by the Secre- 

 tary, and, in general, highly approve the views therein 

 contained, and that they will cordially co-operate with the 

 officers of the Institution in their high endeavors " for the 

 increase and diffusion of knowledge among men." 



It was observed by the professor of natural sciences that 

 he had commenced a careful series of meteorological obser- 

 vations expressly for the Institution ; and other members of 

 the Faculty expressed their willingness to prepare memoirs 

 on subjects connected with their respective pursuits. 



FVom F. A. Muhlenberg, Jr. 



Franklin College, 

 Lancaster, Penn., February 10, 1849. 

 Permit me to state, in reply to your interrogatory, that in 

 general, 1 approve of the plan of organization, &c., as con- 



