LETTERS ON PROGRAMME OF ORGANIZATION. 991 



taiued in the pamphlet you sent me, and think it excellent 

 and judicious. Of course difference of mental or bodily 

 constitution, natural or acquired preferences, will cause men 

 to differ as to the minute details of any plan prepared by 

 others, and perhaps to find fault with, as they think, the too 

 great prominence given to particular branches. This might 

 be the case with myself, but I do not regard it of sufficient 

 importance to communicate ; for if such be the fact, it will 

 correct itself in time. The practical working of the Insti- 

 tution will show better than all theories the best improve- 

 ments of the plan of organization. As a commencement, 

 in my humble opinion, the plan is a very excellent one ; and 

 under the superintendence of its distinguished and able 

 officers, I have no doubt it will be very successful in pro- 

 moting the noble object of Smithson, " the increase and 

 diffusion of knowledge among men." Though, however, in 

 the language of Smithson, " the man of science has no 

 country," I think a good degree of preference ought to be 

 shown to American and English authors. 



From Horace Webster. 



Free Academy, N. Y., February 17, 1849. 

 The Programme accompanying your communication waa 

 duly received. It contains, so tar as I am able to judge, 

 all that is essential and important to a most wise and judi- 

 cious organization of the Smithsonian Institution. 



From David L. Swain. 



University of North Carolina, 

 Chapel Hill, Febinmry 17, 1849. 



I have examined carefully the Programme of the Smith- 

 sonian Institution. It appears to me to be exceedingly 

 comprehensive, and, in general, to be well arranged. Were 

 I impressed even less favorably with the leading features 

 of the scheme, I should hesitate about proposing immediate 

 alterations. Time, the greatest, though most gradual of 

 innovators, may disclose defects and suggest improvements, 

 and I can but think it will be commendable prudence to 

 permit the Institute to abide this test, under its present 

 organization. 



It will afford me high gratification to have it in my power 

 to co-operate in any measure which may promise in any de- 

 gree a fulfilment of the great design of the founder. 



