1875] WRITINGS OP JOSEPH HENRY. 513 



In short, all the members should be induced to observe, 

 and also be instructed as to the method of observation. It 

 is of vast importance to an individual that he be awakened 

 to the consciousness of living in a universe of most interest- 

 ing phenomena, and that one very great difference between 

 individuals is that of eyes and no eyes. 



What I have said relates to the uses of a local society in 

 the improvement of its members ; but the importance of an 

 establishment of this kind should not be confined to the 

 mere diffusion of knowledge. It should endeavor to advance 

 science by co-operating with other societies in the institution 

 and encouragement of original research. Thus it can make 

 collections of the flora and fauna, of the fossils, rocks, min- 

 erals, &c., of a given region, of which the location of the 

 society is the centre, and thereby contribute essentially to 

 the knowledge of the general natural history of the conti- 

 nent. It can also make explorations of ancient remains, and 

 collect and preserve the specimens of the stone-age — which 

 still exist in many parts of our country, and to which so 

 much interest is at present attached. Further, it can induce 

 its members to make records of meteorological phenomena, 

 many of which — of great interest, can be made without in- 

 struments, such as the times of the beginning and ending of 

 storms, the direction of the wind, the first and last frost, the 

 time of sowing and harvesting, the appearance and disap- 

 pearance of birds of certain kinds, the time of the blossom- 

 ing and ripening of various fruits, &c. ; and as soon as the 

 means of the establishment will afford, a series of meteoro- 

 logical observations should be entered upon with a perfect 

 set of instruments. 



In order however to give still greater interest to the society 

 it should make arrangements in due time for the publication 

 of its proceedings, to be exchanged for the transactions of 

 other societies at home and abroad, the foreign exchange (if 

 desired) to be made through this Institution. 



I beg leave to assure you that the Smithsonian Institution 

 will be happy to co-operate with your society in every way 

 in its power. 

 33-2 



